In to Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the Mockingbird is a recurring symbol that appears throughout the book. The Mockingbird signifies peace and innocence in the world. Mockingbirds dont do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They dont eat up peoples gardens, dont nest in corncribs, they dont do one thing but sing their hearts out for us (pg 90) as described my Miss Maudie. Throughout the book Atticus, Boo Radley, and Tom Ribonson are examples of a Mockingbird, and show how their innocence was destroyed by the hatred and evil of the Maycomb.
Atticus symbolizes a Mockingbird because he never harms anyone, and deals with situations in non-violence and aggressive manner. He is also the kindest, and the most helpful person in town, and not expecting anything in return. "I'd rather you shoot 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 (pg 69)" as he described it to Jem. Before the court case, Atticus is called many names such as ***** lover by the towns people because many people opposed him in defending an African American. But, as he described to Jem and Scout, by not defending Tom Robinson, I would not be myself (pg 160s). Thus during the court case Atticus was protecting Tom Robinsons innocence, but at the end he was unable to convince the citizens of Maycomb. For the racism was blinding the people of Maycomb from seeing the actual truth. Therefore, Atticus represents a Mockingbird because his attempt to prove someones innocence was destroyed by the citizens of Maycomb.
Already have an account? Log In Now
3196