Throughout the novel Harper Lee uses symbolism of many things to strengthen the theme of social inequality. The title of the book is the most obvious use of symbolism. The mockingbird is an animal meant for pleasure. It sings a beautiful song and hurts nothing and no one. When she receives an air gun as a gift, Scout is instructed to leave the mockingbirds alone for “its a sin to kill a mockingbird” and they pose no threat.
For example, Atticus informs Scout about how innocent mockingbirds are when he says, ' 'I 'd rather you shot at tin cans in the backyard, but I know you 'll go after birds. Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it 's a sin to kill a mockingbird" (Lee 90). This suggests that Atticus is trying to tell the children that it is an immoral act to kill mockingbirds. Scout also asks Ms. Maudie why it is a sin and she tells her that they do not do anything besides making music for people to enjoy. Scout takes this as a learning experience and realizes that she should not shoot at them since
Although Jem does not physically die the child inside of him does. To Kill a Mockingbird has many of underlying themes such as racism, courage, respect, femininity, etc. But the theme that fits this book most appropriately is innocence and the harm caused to the innocent by evil and bigotry. Examples of this include Jem, Dill, Tom Robinson, Boo Radley. While all these characters have completely different personalities and circumstances they all have one thing in common.
To understand an individual, it is necessary to place ourselves in their shoes. In the novel, “To Kill A Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee, the author addresses the need for human understanding in order to destroy the evils of racial prejudice. Scout, the main character, is the representation of innocence due to being a pure, young girl who views her surroundings with an untainted perspective. She is inclined to consider people’s point of view in order to understand them. She is taught this by her father, Atticus, who risks everything as a lawyer to defend a black man who is accused for a crime that he did not commit.
The river begins to lose its innocence when it is stained with the blood of Lupito; similar to how Antonio is scarred with the memory of Lupito’s death. Also, Miss Maudie and Atticus explain, “Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee 103). The mockingbird portrays the innocence of a bird that causes no harm, only sings and that is why it is a sin to kill them. Tom Robinson is very similar because he is innocent and did not commit the crime and it is a sin to imprison him, yet the jury does anyway. The symbols both portray very similar
Innocent Mockingbirds Wanted Thesis: Tom Robinson, Atticus Finch, and Boo Radley all symbolize mockingbirds because of their traits, qualities, and actions. I. Topic Sentence: Tom Robinson symbolizes a mockingbird because he is not harmful, he is misunderstood, and he is killed over a judgmental reason. A. Claim: Behind his skin color, Tom loved to assist others without a reward.
He is generous, obedient, responsible, and honest. A broken young woman and her dangerous father threaten his life, but he has no harsh words for them,” (Iannone 243-278). Tom Robinson was never the evil that society thought he was and has to pay the greatest price for racism, his own life. His image was twisted by society because of his appearance, which causes the real evil in this situation to be the family who accused him and the citizens who sealed his
How can a story brimming with racism and resentment also be filled with compassion? Although the world is filled with people who do appalling things, there are still some out there who practice generosity and lead by example. In To Kill a Mockingbird, these people are characters like Scout, Atticus, or Tom. Throughout the novel, these characters and more take action to show humanity in circumstances that they don’t have to, and add a layer of compassion to the theme. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the actions of Maycomb County citizens during the harsh times of the 1930’s show that any given person, regardless of race or societal status, should be worthy of compassion.
Atticus: Yes I did Scout. I got one rule for you, shoot all the bluejays you want but you ain't gonna shooting no mockingbirds. It's a sin to kill a mockingbird. Jem: Why? Atticus: It’s a sin because mockingbirds don’t do anything but provide beautiful music for all you little children to hear.
All throughout their journey, Jem and Scout are unknowingly encountering symbols throughout the year and a half the story takes place. Harper Lee uses the literary device of symbolism in a multitude of situations to entice readers to not evaluate these instances at face value but to analyze every case critically in her novel To Kill a Mockingbird so that they can see the complete picture.