To Kill A Mockingbird Quotes

“Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a Mockingbird.” This quote explains how Mockingbirds are the most important symbol in this novel because without them there would be no good in the world. Harper Lee describes Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley as Mockingbirds in To Kill a Mockingbird. There are many occurrences in the novel where these three characters portray this symbol. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley are all metaphorically portrayed as mockingbirds because, Atticus is always the bigger person, Tom provides pleasure to people he encounters, and Boo looks out for the people of Maycomb.

No matter what situation Atticus FInch is in he always sticks with what he believes is right. Atticus states, “If I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county, in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again.” Atticus has spent his whole life trying to do the right thing. He knows that the right thing to do is defend Tom from the racist false accusations. Atticus feels that his words would have no authority because he followed the popular decision of not defending Tom. No matter what trouble it causes Atticus he will always do what right, even if nobody agrees with him.

For example, when Mayella asked Tom for help he could have easily said no and been on his way, but instead, he chose to help her. After Tom did what Mayella needed he stated, “No ma’am, there ain't no charge. This doesn't just show that Tom wasn't in it for the money but also he actually cared about Mayella. After the encounter and the accusations, Tom is unfairly targeted because he is black, just like how Mockingbirds are targeted for their feathers. Tom is a Mockingbird that was killed just as Atticus said they shouldn't be, but not everyone sticks to Atticus’ guidelines of