A Friend Like Robyn: The Power of Empathy in the Face of Crisis

In the novel “Is It Ever Right to Kill?” by James Myles, the author introduces the character of a girl named Robyn, a third-year medical student who finds herself thrust into emotional turmoil when her close friend Kat loses contact with her parents amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This intense narrative not only captures the horrifying reality of war but also underscores the profound power of empathy as Robyn steps into Kat’s shoes, imagining the overwhelming fear and uncertainty her friend must be feeling. The following passage reveals the raw, inner conflict of someone torn between personal obligations and the call of friendship during a time of crisis.
Imagining Kat’s Pain: A Heartfelt Connection
Robyn’s sleepless night paints a vivid picture of the deep bond she shares with Kat. It’s not just a distant sympathy; it’s an active, visceral form of empathy. Robyn doesn’t merely feel for her friend; she feels with her. As she lies awake at 4:30 am, Robyn’s mind is churning with the painful reality that her friend is alone, miles away, unable to reach her parents, who are trapped in a war zone. The passage captures her mental state—frustrated, restless, and determined to do something, anything, to help.
This moment encapsulates a powerful aspect of human connection: the ability to empathize so deeply that one person’s pain becomes almost indistinguishable from another’s. Robyn’s empathy goes beyond surface-level understanding; she mentally transports herself into Kat’s position, imagining the terror and helplessness of being cut off from loved ones in a time of war. This depth of feeling is not only a testament to their friendship but also highlights the extraordinary strength of empathy in driving people to act on behalf of others.
Pete’s Indifference: A Stark Contrast
In contrast, Pete’s reaction—dismissing the situation with a murmur and rolling away with the duvet—presents a jarring juxtaposition. As a junior doctor, Pete is burdened with his own challenges, namely the relentless fatigue that comes with medical training. His response is pragmatic, almost detached, as he tries to catch up on much-needed sleep. Pete’s indifference highlights a common human response to distant crises—a sense of helplessness, a belief that there’s “nothing we can do about it,” especially from the comfort of one’s bed at 4:30 am. His reaction is not unusual, but it sharply contrasts with Robyn’s immediate need to act, to do something.
Pete’s response also underscores how personal involvement often dictates our reactions to global crises. For Robyn, this isn’t just another news story; it’s personal. She isn’t able to compartmentalize her feelings and carry on with her life as usual because her friend’s pain feels like her own. This internal conflict—between the instinct to act and the paralysis of distance—captures the emotional complexity of being deeply connected to someone experiencing trauma far away.
Robyn’s Inner Turmoil: A Call to Action
Robyn’s inability to sleep reflects her growing determination. While Pete drifts off, demonstrating the single-minded focus of a medical professional on his own immediate needs, Robyn’s thoughts tumble over each other, driven by a gnawing sense of responsibility. “We had to do something. We?” she thinks, catching herself at the unexpected inclusion of Pete in her plans. This line reveals her instinct to act, even when no clear course of action is apparent. It’s a powerful illustration of how empathy can spur us into action, even when those actions are not yet defined.
Robyn’s use of “we” also hints at her vulnerability. She feels the weight of Kat’s plight and instinctively reaches out, searching for solidarity, even if it’s from a tired, reluctant partner. It’s not just about Kat; it’s also about Robyn’s need to feel connected so as not to bear this emotional burden alone. The mental shift from “I” to “we” speaks to the human desire for collective action in the face of crisis—no one wants to feel helpless alone.