The novel To Kill A Mockingbird is bursting with symbolism. Perhaps the most evident and the most important symbol is the mockingbird, which explains the title of the book. In the novel, a mockingbird symbolizes innocence and it is described as something that does nothing to harm others. In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, there are three characters who fit this description extremely well: Boo Radley, Jem Finch and Tom Robinson.
Firstly, Boo Radley symbolizes a mockingbird. According to Atticus, “it is a sin to kill a mockingbird” (90). In Boo Radley’s case, he was not literally killed, but he was unjustifiably shot at by terrible rumours and prejudices, making him an undeniable symbol in the novel. Boo Radley is a victim of rumours because of his history of getting into trouble often. Boo’s innocence comes through when he leaves gifts for Jem and Scout in the tree hole because this is his only form of contact with the outside world. On page 33, Scout explains the first time she saw the tree hole and the pieces of gum that Boo leaves for the Finch siblings. Also, his …show more content…
Miss Maudie says that, “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing, but make music for us to enjoy” (90). As the plot develops, Jem shows his growth as a person and his maturity through his actions. For example, at the beginning of the novel, Jem makes fun of Boo Radley with Dill and Scout, unaware of how his actions affect Boo. Later on, after he destroys Mrs. Dubose’s flowers, he takes responsibility for his actions by reading to her and even by helping her conquer her morphine addiction. Next, Jem shows his maturity when Scout wants to kill a roly-poly bug by saying, “Don’t do that, Scout. Set him out on the back steps” (238). Jem comprehends that the roly-poly bug has not done anything to harm them; therefore, it should not be killed. Evidently, Jem is aware that, “it is a sin to kill a mockingbird”
Firstly, Boo Radley symbolizes a mockingbird. According to Atticus, “it is a sin to kill a mockingbird” (90). In Boo Radley’s case, he was not literally killed, but he was unjustifiably shot at by terrible rumours and prejudices, making him an undeniable symbol in the novel. Boo Radley is a victim of rumours because of his history of getting into trouble often. Boo’s innocence comes through when he leaves gifts for Jem and Scout in the tree hole because this is his only form of contact with the outside world. On page 33, Scout explains the first time she saw the tree hole and the pieces of gum that Boo leaves for the Finch siblings. Also, his …show more content…
Miss Maudie says that, “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing, but make music for us to enjoy” (90). As the plot develops, Jem shows his growth as a person and his maturity through his actions. For example, at the beginning of the novel, Jem makes fun of Boo Radley with Dill and Scout, unaware of how his actions affect Boo. Later on, after he destroys Mrs. Dubose’s flowers, he takes responsibility for his actions by reading to her and even by helping her conquer her morphine addiction. Next, Jem shows his maturity when Scout wants to kill a roly-poly bug by saying, “Don’t do that, Scout. Set him out on the back steps” (238). Jem comprehends that the roly-poly bug has not done anything to harm them; therefore, it should not be killed. Evidently, Jem is aware that, “it is a sin to kill a mockingbird”