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What Are The Symbols In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Symbolism is the exercise of using objects, people, situations or words to exemplify something else. Many authors frequently use symbolism in their literary works to express moods or emotions in order to give their work deeper meaning. In Harper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, she strives to highlight the evil and unjust things that exist in society while simultaneously revealing the good in the world. Atticus, the mockingbird, and Scout are all symbolic vehicles that are used to represent the themes of justice, morality, and ethics. One of the main characters in the novel, Atticus Finch, expresses the themes of justice, morality and ethics. Atticus readily takes on the Tom Robinson case even though he knows this pronouncement will pit him against the biased opinions and attitudes in Maycomb County. He also realizes his decision inherently opens the door for he and his family to be chastised and ridiculed by numerous bigoted people in Maycomb who believe African Americans are of lesser value than white people. While Atticus represents justice, a rabid dog in the novel symbolizes racism. As Jem and Scout watch their father take the …show more content…

This representation is explained when Miss Maudie makes the statement, (Page 90) "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That is why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird." As seen in the novel, Tom Robinson is an innocent man whose life has been destroyed by evil, making him a mockingbird. Tom Robinson, in the public’s eye, is an evil rapist who deserves to go to prison. Inside the courtroom, Atticus uncovers the truth of the Tom Robinson case. All eyes in the courtroom are able to see Tom Robinson's innocence, but are unable to overcome their prejudice whims. Throughout the case, Atticus's morality, ethics and justice shine above all the evil that taints

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