Difference Between Empathy And Sympathy In Alice Walker's Everyday Use

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Empathy versus Sympathy
Human beings surpass other animals in the ability to vicariously experience other beings feelings. Two overlapping and interchangeable terms have been developed to explain human’s capacity to experience others’ feelings- sympathy and empathy. Though convenient, the interchanging has created some confusion. Burton, in his support, points out people always confuse the word empathy with sympathy, compassion as well as pity, which are just but reactions to other people’s plight (1). This paper discusses the difference between empathy and sympathy and analyzes the story “Every day Use” from the sympathy and empathy perspective.
Burton defines empathy as the ability to not only recognize but also to share another person’s or a fictional character’s or a sentient beings’ emotions. It involves seeing a person’s situation from his or her own perspective and then sharing his or her emotions and distress (1). Chismar posits that to empathize is basically to respond to another person’ perceived state of emotion by experiencing similar feelings. Empathy, therefore, implies sharing another person’s feeling without necessary showing any affection or desire to help. For one to empathize, he or she must at least care for, be interested in or concerned about …show more content…

This story takes place in the 1960s, at a time when many black Americans were interested in discovering their heritage. In particular, the “black pride” movement encouraged African Americans to not only celebrate but also affirm their culture. Many embraced African attires, hairstyle, names and African languages. This story revolves around a woman with her two daughters- Dee, who later on changes her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo, and Maggie (Walker 55). Maggie’s body bears serious scars from burning and it is hard to say if her mother is sympathizing or empathizing with

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