Final answer:
Tom's expression of pity for Mayella was seen as a mistake because it challenged societal norms and crossed racial boundaries expected at the time, which made the audience below the balcony react negatively.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Tom says he felt sorry for Mayella, the narrator indicates he made a mistake because, in the context of the time period and setting, a Black man expressing pity for a white woman could be perceived as overstepping social boundaries. This perceived breach of racial etiquette may have stirred discomfort or anger among those below the balcony, suggesting a hierarchy where Black individuals were not expected or permitted to feel sympathy for whites, especially in a public or judicial setting.
Additionally, Tom's compassion marks him as morally superior to those who would oppress him, which could result in an inversion of expected roles that the audience below the balcony found unsettling or provocative.
Expressions of empathy or compassion in literature often create a connection between characters and readers, instilling a sense of shared humanity. The various passages provided illustrate characters who have faced moral dilemmas, showing sympathy or taking action against injustices, such as the heroism defined by helping others at personal risk or the agony of witnessing suffering without a clear solution.
Whether for a stranger or a loved one, these morals highlight the complexity and nuance of human emotions and actions in the face of societal expectations and personal hardships.