Many situations in To Kill a Mockingbird seem hopeless: the verdict of Tom Robinson's trial, the situation of Boo Radley, and the ingrained racism of Maycomb which seems never-ending. However, we can see signs of hope in Atticus' defence of Tom, the softening of Alexandra's attitude and in Scout and Jem as the next generation, showing compassion and empathy towards others. GCSE English Literature revision podcast.