The Power of Empathy in a World of Despair

Ware’s novel revolves around a world absent of hope and happiness and packed with despair and emptiness. Throughout the book, disturbingly depressing stories of Jimmy’s life are told, and the reader subconsciously must choose whether to empathize with the pitiful character or not. Moreover, Ware’s characters within the novel are forced to make the same choice. Rarely does empathy come along within the novel -- especially not for Jimmy. However, when it does make an appearance, its influence is immense. The power of empathy is demonstrated when Jimmy does maybe the most embarrassing thing anyone could possibly ever do – spills his urine sample on the floor at the doctor’s office – and the simple act of empathy toward him from the nurse completely erases his depression.

            This page comes right after one of the most dismal pages in the entire book; not only has Jimmy spilled his own pee, but his father has just called him a “mistake:” a label he takes to heart. The nurse enters the room to collect his urine sample and, due to the fact that almost every situation in this novel ends in almost the worst possible outcome, the reader should expect a burst of laughter, a scolding, or at least an insult from the nurse upon seeing the spilled pee. However, instead, the nurse actually apologizes to Jimmy, and reassures him that “these sorts of things happen all the time.” This demonstration of empathy and general niceness is completely unexpected, especially by Jimmy. His immediate reaction is not just to be relieved that someone forgives and understands him, but to fall in love with that person. His life is so utterly despairing that the smallest sign of empathy becomes reason for lust, officially now the best part of his day (even special enough to spark a famous Corrigan day dream).

            This page demonstrates the vast power that empathy holds in Ware’s mind, which is a central theme in the novel. Empathy does not come easily. Even Superman cannot generate it, as demonstrated by the crowd of people that thoughtlessly leaves a dead Superman’s side after his jump from a tall building. Yet, Jimmy Corrigan manages to gather up some empathy toward himself, and this is practically miraculous. Ware seems to put more stock in the value of empathy than in any other aspect of life. His main character, as depressing as he is, has the opportunity for one moment to receive a little empathy toward his miserable life, and suddenly is changed whole-heartedly. Empathy, though not common in Ware’s novel, has complete and total power when it finally presents itself.