Primary Evidence: Atticus killed Tim the dog so that his family and Cal would be safe and not get attacked (Lee 96). 2. Interpretation: Mockingbirds are very territorial, which Atticus shows when he tries to protect Jem and Scout from the dangers of not only people, but animals. C. Claim: Atticus also shows courage especially when he represents a black man in a racist town. 1.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee informs the readers that growing up can teach you how understanding other people can make you a better person through symbolism, characterization, and dialogue. First, Lee uses symbolism to demonstrate how Scout develops a better understanding of Atticus and Boo Radley. In the beginning of the book, Atticus gives Scout and Jem air-rifles but did not teach them how to shoot. This is because he wanted to teach them the essence of killing a mockingbird. 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.
Why is it a Sin to Kill a Mockingbird The mockingbird sings to entertain the listener, it is also a symbol of peace. It is a sin to kill a mockingbird because it doesn't hurt anyone and is innocent. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Miss Maudie said, “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” (Lee 103).
However, in the end, the people in the jury cannot see this and Tom is found guilty simply because of his skin color. Finally, another symbol in this story is the knot hole in the tree in the Radley’s yard. This symbolizes the children’s growing friendship with Boo. Boo knew that the children were afraid of him, so he quietly tried to make friends with them throughout the novel by leaving small gifts for them in the knot hole. Since Boo was never outside, this was the only way that he could communicate with the children.
He was a very good person; he never misbehaved or did anything to harass others. He often helped Maella Ewell, but always refused to get paid for it. Likewise the real mockingbird does not do anything bad. It never steals from the fields, it does not nest in corncribs; all it does is sing and bring beauty in the lives of those it encounters. And as the mockingbird can not defend itself when it gets shot, a black man like Tom Robinson is completely defenceless in such a racist town and time, when he gets accused of rape by a white woman.
The other theme Good vs. Evil is shown with Atticus and his thoughts about good and evil creatures. He teaches these lessons to Jem and Scout to show them that it is possible to live through the racism in Maycomb. In the movie, Atticus trying to protect his children from the evil isn 't made clear. For example, when Atticus got spit on by Bob Ewell in the movie he makes a big deal about it.
Not just innocence in itself but the danger and harm evil poses to the innocent. You can see in the book as Jem and Scout go from a childish perspective, one that only sees good in people because they’ve never faced evil. To a more adult perspective who have confronted evil and learn to integrate it into their world. The first example of this is Boo Radley. Boo is a mockingbird.
In the end of the book when Scout offers to walk Boo home he is able to reflect on all the times he has been watching out for Scout and Jem. He knows in his heart that he only wanted the best for the two children and now that he has stepped out of his shadow he can really feel complete with his life choices towards the children. In relation to Boo finally emerging from his house; Boo saves the kids from Bob Ewell. When Scout and Jem were being attacked by Bob no one could’ve known what was happening or that they were in danger. Boo made it eminent to the kids that he had all along been watching out `for them when he runs out and saves their lives; returning Jem home safely as well as Scout in the process.
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.
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.