Why does society persecute the innocent? In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Tom Robinson was persecuted because of the color of his skin. In the closed-minded town of Maycomb, Alabama, people judged Tom and viewed him as a criminal because he is black. This racism and injustice illustrates society's cruel way of punishing and hurting the innocent. Tom Robinson is a symbol for the mockingbird because the mockingbird stands for innocence and Tom is innocent and compassionate. While the mockingbird may be just a bird, in the book it is a symbol of innocence. When Atticus gave the kids their air rifles, he told them "Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." (90). Unlike mockingbirds, …show more content…
when the Ewell's accused him of rape, Tom explains that he was only trying to help Mayella with her chores during his testimony. When asked if he was paid for his services, Tom says, "No suh, not after she offered me a nickel the first time. I was glad to do it, Mr. Ewell didn't seem to help her none, neither did the chillun, and I knowed she didn't have no nickels to spare." (191). This shows kindness because he did Mayella's chores without expecting her to pay her anything. He helped her out of the goodness of his heart and was happy to help. Later in his testimony, when Tom explains that Mayella came onto him, trying to kiss hi, he is asked if he resisted her advantages. Tom answers, saying, "I tried. I tried to 'thought bein' ugly to her. I didn't wanta be ugly, I didn't wanta push her or nothin'."(195). Even in an uncomfortable situation, Tom remains chivalrous and gentle. The mockingbird symbolizes Tom Robinson because of his kindness towards …show more content…
When he was falsely accused of raping Mayella Ewell, "Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed." (241). This shows the injustice and racism Tom experienced because he did not get a fair trial because the jury could not look past the fact that he was black from the start. The town assumed he was a criminal because of the color of his skin. Tom was killed while trying to escape prison. When talking about Tom's death, Atticus said, "Seventeen bullet holes in him. They didn't have to shoot him that much." (235). This shows injustice because the guards shot him an unnecessary amount of times. They didn't see him as the kindhearted person he was but instead just an escaping black prisoner. Tom Robinson is a mockingbird because of the prejudice he endured even though he was
In the classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Tom Robinson, a sympathetic, considerate African American field worker, is accused of the rape of an abused 19 year old white girl, Mayella Ewell. As the consequent trial unfolds, the reader glimpses Tom’s understanding personality despite the harsh 1930s stereotypes that cloud the trial. First, early into his testimony, Tom reveals that Mayella regularly invited him into the Ewell yard to do a few minor chores, which was usually chopping wood or toting water. Then, when Atticus, his defense attorney, asks if Tom was paid for his services, Tom replies, “No suh, not after she offered me a nickel the first time.
Leading up to the Civil Rights Movement, the black community was in a constant battle against law enforcement treating them unfair compared to the white community. The Scottsboro Boys and Emmett Till’s cases were one of the many times that the legal system showed to be unfair to blacks. In the book To Kill A Mockingbird, the law enforcement and community were very racist against blacks and believed all blacks were criminals. In the story, Atticus Finch, who is a lawyer gets put into a very difficult situation and decides to defend a black man, who went by the name of Tom Robinson.
Tom Robinson is an example of a “mockingbird,” he is accused of a false accusation, mainly because he is a black man. This can relate back to one of the many themes of the novel, “prejudice.” Atticus, Scout, and Jem are round and dynamic characters that help to progress the theme of “empathy,” as well as many lessons that Scout and Jem will learn. Morality
In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird the author Harper Lee creates a strong theme showing how two of the main characters represent the innocence of a mockingbird. The two characters that are portrayed as sinners are accused of by men who are blinded by pride to the point where lives are taken. The virtue of Tom Robinson is displayed throughout the course of this story. For example, a witness from the audience at Tom Robinson’s trial speaks out and announces, “I just want the whole lot of you to know one thing right now.
Mockingbirds are beings who embody innocence. Jem and Scout were often told by their father not to kill mockingbirds. To kill a mockingbird means to destroy innocence, either by physically killing the aforementioned mockingbird, or corrupting them with cruelty. Dill Harris,
He was giving of himself help. He was in no way harming anyone. Then when Bob Ewell came home and found Tom Robinson, he set out to ruin his life. Tom was innocently helping Mayella when Bob Ewell accused him of raping his daughter. The white people said Tom was guilty, killing Tom with their conviction before he even had a fair trial Tom’s is seen by very few of the characters in the book.
Since Tom was discriminated against and accused he can be seen as a mockingbird. Just as a mockingbird, Tom meant no harm and had a good heart with good intentions. Also the way Tom Robinson was treated can be considered a sin, just like it is to kill a mockingbird. Therefore, Tom Robinson is like the
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee the term mockingbird symbolizes innocence in a person. In the novel it focuses on the fact that innocence, represented by the mockingbird, can be wrongfully harmed. There are two characters: Tom Robinson and Arthur “Boo” Radley that are supposed to represent the mockingbird. In the novel, Tom Robinson is the best example of a mockingbird because he is prosecuted for a crime he did not commit. Also, he was judged unfairly based on the color of his skin in his trial.
In our society, innocent people, known as mockingbirds, experience prejudice in their lives. A/T: In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Background: Tom Robinson is a black person who’s was accused of raping a white girl named Mayella Ewell which he has never done. For this reason, Atticus Finch was appointed to be his lawyer. As a result, Atticus takes a stand for him by approving his case and standing up for him, but Tom was still found guilty.
Differences are what make people interesting. Different religions, cultures, and beliefs affect everyone and are interesting to see. However, sometimes these differences cause people to be persecuted. Prejudices threaten the cultural diversity that make the world such an interesting place. In Zora Neal Hurston’s novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, the main character, Janie is ostracized from her community because of the color of her skin.
“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 119). This quote shows why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird. The mockingbird is a central idea shown by characters throughout the book, here’s why… The book is set in the small town of Maycomb, where there are a lot of prejudice and mean people.
Tom Robinson represents a Mockingbird being killed by racial bias and unfairness. Tom is a friendly black man who is accused of raping Mayella Ewell and was also convicted for the crime he did not commit. He was a generous man who cared about Mayella even though she is white. The people of Maycomb wanted Tom to be killed even though he did not rape Mayella, they did not care because Tom was African American. Killing an African American for raping a white women would be a normal thing for the people of Maycomb.
Blue Jays and Mockingbirds Who are the blue jays and mockingbirds of To Kill A Mockingbird? Set in the early 1930’s of America, Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird is a coming-of-age book that tells the story of an innocent, naive child becoming an adult through the experience and intake of racism, discrimination, and social injustice throughout the book. Harper Lee’s development, usage and characterization of her characters throughout To Kill A Mockingbird help establish two of her most important themes of the book, which are the presence of social injustice and the coexistence of good and evil. Social injustice is consistently seen throughout To Kill A Mockingbird.
Despite the fact that he was helpful and kind especially towards Mayella Ewell, who later accused him of raping her. Tom was sent to court and found guilty even after Atticus Finch had undisputedly proved Toms innocence. Yet he was found guilty simply because he was a coloured African-American man. Harper Lee portrays Tom as a kind-hearted and respectful man, who took time out of his day to help other people, people who were underprivileged (even thought they were white). Lee's portrayal of this outstanding character and his Chivalrous acts highlights why he is the main reference to the image of the mockingbird in the title.
Prejudice in To Kill a Mockingbird Prejudice in the 1950s was a problem and it still is in 2017. When it comes to the topic of prejudice in To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee conveys it is important that before judging someone, get to know them better. One example of prejudice Harper Lee uses in To Kill a Mockingbird is Tom Robinson. In the small town of Maycomb almost everyone assumes Tom is guilty of raping Mayella Ewell even though there is no evidence or reasoning.