“To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, Tom Robinson and Arthur (Boo) Radley can be seen as significant characters of symbolism of “mockingbirds”. These characters become important in adding literary value to the book as they are examples of symbolism. Their significance connects to the title of the novel and encompasses the main theme and moral of the novel. Harper Lee illustrates Boo Radley and Tom Robinson as “mockingbirds” through events in the book. Innocence, vulnerability and injustices which occur are aspects of the novel which Lee portrays in order to symbolize Boo Radley and Tom Robinson as mockingbirds.
Harper Lee portrays a sense of innocence in Boo Radley and Tom Robinson which connects them to mockingbirds. Mrs. Maudie portrays mockingbirds to be innocent when she says, “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” (pg. 119) as she explains to Jem and Scout …show more content…
Similarly, to the audience, it seems that Tom Robinson is innocent in the trial even though the verdict was that he is guilty of raping Mayella Ewell. There is factual evidence that it is far more likely that Bob Ewell had committed the crime. Mayella Ewell was attacked on the right side of her face meaning that a left-handed person must have caused the bruising; “ ‘You’re left-handed, Mr. Ewell,’ said Judge Taylor.” Near the beginning of the novel Boo Radley is thought to have been locked away for reasons “…Miss Stephanie Crawford, a neighbourhood scold..” (pg 13) provided us. Her rumours are not factual which can lead the reader to believe that Boo is locked away for no good reason. This can make the reader feel sympathy for Boo as it may seem he is innocent and locked away. Later we can confirm that Boo’s intentions are pure as he saves Jem and Scout from
Harper Lee portrays a sense of innocence in Boo Radley and Tom Robinson which connects them to mockingbirds. Mrs. Maudie portrays mockingbirds to be innocent when she says, “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” (pg. 119) as she explains to Jem and Scout …show more content…
Similarly, to the audience, it seems that Tom Robinson is innocent in the trial even though the verdict was that he is guilty of raping Mayella Ewell. There is factual evidence that it is far more likely that Bob Ewell had committed the crime. Mayella Ewell was attacked on the right side of her face meaning that a left-handed person must have caused the bruising; “ ‘You’re left-handed, Mr. Ewell,’ said Judge Taylor.” Near the beginning of the novel Boo Radley is thought to have been locked away for reasons “…Miss Stephanie Crawford, a neighbourhood scold..” (pg 13) provided us. Her rumours are not factual which can lead the reader to believe that Boo is locked away for no good reason. This can make the reader feel sympathy for Boo as it may seem he is innocent and locked away. Later we can confirm that Boo’s intentions are pure as he saves Jem and Scout from