To Kill A Mockingbird Symbolism Essay - 787 Words

To Symbolize a Mockingbird Throughout the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, we are introduced to two characters who represent her main theme. Understanding the roles the two play in this well-known classic, helps the reader understand the true meaning, and uncover various uses of clever symbolism in the book. Tom Robinson, a humble Negro, and Boo Radley, the mysterious Maycomb recluse, are both innocent in their grave situations†¦Tom, being dragged through an unfair trial with a racist madman, and Boo, saving lives, both show strong characteristics of a mockingbird. Tom Robinson, one of the symbolic Mockingbirds in the novel, is a nice man that enjoys helping others. On page 218, Tom Robinson states at the trial, ‘â€Å"I was glad to†¦show more content†¦The people’s social rules are unfair and unnecessarily, racially judgmental. Social codes are the reason why everyone couldn’t see how it was wrong to accuse an innocent man, how it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird. Boo Radley, the other symbolic mockingbird in the novel, only helped out Jem and Scout. As a recluse, he rarely leaves the comforts of his own home and never dares to stir up any trouble that might bring him unwanted attention. Scout describes his sickly appearance on page 310: â€Å"His face was white as hands, but for a shadow on his jutting chin. His cheeks were thin to hollowness; his mouth was wide; there were shallow, almost delicate indentations at his temples, and his gray eyes were so colorless I thought I was blind. His hair was dead and thin, almost feathery on top of his head.† His description clearly shows that he hasn’t been outside for a long time, and doesn’t intend on coming out again anytime in the future. Unlike Tom Robinson, other characters such as Heck Tate try to protect Boo’s privacy because they know he’s innocent: â€Å"‘To my way of thinkin’, Mr. Finch, taking the one man who’s done you and this town a great service an’ draggin’ him with his shy ways into the limelight-to me, that’s a sin.†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ (317). This statement provides insight into how people look at Boo Radley. Most people have known him since he was little, and know that he’d never do anything troublesome. ScoutShow MoreRelatedEssay on Symbolism of Mockingbirds in To Kill a Mockingbird1034 Words   |  5 Pagesstrength. Parrots are a symbol of intelligence. What about mockingbirds? How do they treat and contribute to the human mankind? Mockingbirds symbolize those who are innocent, helpful, and caring but are punished and treated badly. It is a skin to kill a mockingbird because they do not harm us in any way but sings wonderful songs to us. Some of the characters like Boo Arthur Radley, Tom Robinson, and Mayella Ewell symbolizes the mockingbirds in Maycomb. Boo Arthur Radley who is innocent is segregatedRead MoreTo Kill A Mockingbird Symbolism Essay1251 Words   |  6 PagesPeople always wondered what a mockingbird represents. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the narrator Jean Louise Finch lives in Maycomb, Alabama, with her brother Jeremy Finch, her dad Atticus Finch, and her mother-figure Calpurnia. She learns many lessons in her life including â€Å"You never truly understand a person until you put yourself in their shoes † and â€Å"It is a sin to kill mockingbirds.† This ties in that a mockingbird symbolizes innocence, which proves that one should not judge someoneRead MoreTo Kill A Mockingbird Symbolism Essay744 Words   |  3 PagesIn Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the fire in chapter 8 symbolizes a form of prejudice as it burns down the snowman. 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Shoot allRead More Symbolism and Allegory in To Kill a Mockingbird Essay3753 Words   |  16 PagesSymbolism and Allegory in To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee uses symbolism extensively throughout To Kill a Mockingbird,, and much of it refers to the problems of racism in the South during the early twentieth century. Harper Lees effective use of racial symbolism and allegory can be seen by studying various examples from the book, namely the actions of the children, of the racist whites, and of Atticus Finch. One of the more effective allegories in the novel is the building of a snowmanRead More Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Essay640 Words   |  3 PagesSymbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee The mockingbird is a major symbol in the book, To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. Harper Lee chose the mockingbird for both the title of her book and as a symbol in her book. I believe she selected it because the mockingbird is a creature that is loved by all for its singing and mocking, for which it gets its name, and how it never intends to harm anything or anybody. Atticus Finch says to Jem, but remember it?s a sin to kill a mockingbirdRead MoreTo Kill a Mockingbird1286 Words   |  6 PagesTo Kill A Mockingbird Essay Reading broadens our minds and touches our hearts. It creates greater understanding and compassion in the reader through its characters and themes. Write an essay that addresses the ideas expressed in this statement with reference to your class novel. â€Å"You never really understand a person, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.† With over 30 million copies sold worldwide and claiming title to the prestigious Pulitzer Prize, â€Å"To Kill a Mockingbird† isRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book Of Kill A Mockingbird 1271 Words   |  6 PagesJourney Tasopulos Brannen ELA-8 19 April, 2015 Novel Analysis: To Kill A Mockingbird Selection: I selected this book because its the best book I have ever read. I read To Kill A Mockingbird last year and my class wrote an essay about this book, since I already know so much about this book I thought it would be a nice and quick read. I thought it would be a great enjoyment to refresh my memory of this epic book. I watched the movie soon after I read the whole book and it was very fun to pick outRead MoreBlack or White: Moralistic Communities to Highlight Sin of Killing a Mockingbird1617 Words   |  7 PagesHarper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most popular fictions about racial inequality in America. Her portrayal of the Black community is amazingly positive and has therefore triggered discussion. In the fiction, while most of the white people treat the Black poorly and are evil-like, the blacks are generally genial and miserable. Atticus remarks that some Negroes do lie and act immorally. In this case, the rather one-sided Black community in the book seems t o be idealized while the WhiteRead MoreThe English Assessment Task For Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee1360 Words   |  6 PagesEnglish Assessment Task 1 - ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ Essay â€Å"Whether Maycomb knows it or not, we’re paying him the highest tribute we can pay a man. We trust him to do right.† To what extent are life values and lessons reflected throughout the novel ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’? The great degree that Harper Lee reflects life values and lessons throughout ’To Kill A Mockingbird’ is elucidated through the teachings of the main adult protagonist, Atticus Finch. Over three summers, Atticus guides his children