“Only developing compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek. » This quote from the Dalai Lama XIV helps demonstrate the transformation of Aunt Alexandra in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The story is about a rape trial during the Great Depression and the reaction of the residents of the town where it took place. That's what Scout, the defense attorney's young daughter, says at the trial. Alexandra, Scout's aunt, acted harshly towards her and the others at the beginning of the book. Towards the end of the book, Aunt Alexandra's compassionate side began to show through her willingness to be more caring, change her beliefs, and blame herself for certain things rather than others. These transformations accentuate the changes presented by Aunt Alexandra at the end of the story. Aunt Alexandra no longer pointed the finger at Atticus, she blamed herself. Atticus was feeling pressure from Alexandra after she questioned him about how he was raising his children. He then went to talk to Scout and Jem and told them, "She asked me to tell you that you must behave like the little lady and the little gentleman that you are" (Lee 176). This happened near the beginning of To Kill a Mockingbird and at that point any fault of the children was transformed into Atticus' fault of failing to raise the children well. Toward the end of the book, after Bob Ewell attacks the children, Alexandra begins to say, "Atticus, I had a feeling about this tonight...I...it's my fault." I should have…” (359). If she hadn't had compassion, she probably would have blamed Atticus for letting Scout and Jem go home alone at night. Choosing to apologize for this matter demonstrates that she was sincerely concerned for the safety of the children. Aunt Al...... middle of paper ......ob Ewell. The way she was willing to let Scout wear a onesie showed that she wanted her to be comfortable, and when she apologized to Atticus, it confirmed that she not only felt sorry for this night but also for his previous actions. With all this evidence, it confirms that Alexandra Finch did indeed have a compassionate side. A reader of To Kill a Mockingbird should care about this statement because it is important for them to understand that Alexandra actually had a compassionate side. This statement is significant because Aunt Alexandra's compassion somehow crept into the book and might have been missed by some readers. This is important to the writer because she probably made Alexandra the way she was for a reason. The takeaway from this essay is that even though some people seem completely harsh and strict, they can also be kind and compassionate in situations..