The Most Innocent of Songbirds
Mockingbirds are innocent songbirds that do nothing but sing their heart out for us. In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, innocent characters harmed by society are thematically signified as mockingbirds. Firstly, the title signifies how one’s social status can be ruined by the prejudice of society. Secondly, the title signifies how racism can overrule the outcome of a trial. Lastly, the title signifies how one’s lifestyle can change society’s perception of them. The thematic significance of the title, To Kill A Mockingbird is to metaphorically compare society’s tragic flaw of wrongfully discriminating others to the harming of a mockingbird.
Initially, Boo Radley is misunderstood as a violent character, but is …show more content…
When Scout describes Dill’s fascination of the Radley Place, she explains the residency based on the community’s rumours. Scout states, “Inside the house lived a malevolent phantom [...] People said he went out at night when the moon was down [...] When people’s azaleas froze in a cold snap, it was because he had breathed on them” (Lee 9). Scout’s negative diction of ‘froze in a cold snap’ creates a dark imagery of Boo, indicating to readers that he is portrayed as a violent person. Furthermore, the metaphoric comparison of Boo to a malevolent phantom describes how society assumes his personality with little evidence, further suggesting how Boo is misunderstood. Since Boo is misjudged by society, it indicates how one’s social status can be ruined by the prejudice of society. Nevertheless, Boo is later described as a caring individual. Immediately after walking Boo home, Scout starts to understand things from his perspective and truly recognize his humanity. Scout sympathetically states, “He gave us two soap dolls, a broken …show more content…
When Mayella Ewell testifies in court, Atticus demands her to tell the truth. Ewell cries, “That n**ger yonder took advantage of me [...] do nothin’ about it then you’re all yellow stinkin‘ cowards, stinkin’ cowards, the lot of you” (Lee 214). Ewell’s epizeuxis of ‘stinkin‘ cowards, stinkin’ cowards’ suggests that she is attempting to influence the Caucasian jury, emphasizing the fact that a Caucasian person’s word is always higher than that of an African American’s. Additionally, the explicative usage of ‘n**ger’ further exaggerates the racism and bias demonstrated by society. Ewell’s testimony proves how racism can overrule the outcome of a trial. When Tom testifies, Mr. Deas argues against his conviction. Mr. Deas interrupts, “I just want the whole lot of you to know one thing right now. That boy’s worked for me eight years an‘ I ain’t had a speck o’trouble outa him” (Lee 223). Mr. Deas’ hyperbolic statement emphasizes the dedicated nature of Tom, suggesting his innocence to Lee’s audience. This proves that there are people like Mr. Deas who recognize Tom’s innocence, signifying his comparison to a mockingbird. Other than Tom Robinson, Dolphus Raymond can also be seen as a
Mockingbirds are innocent songbirds that do nothing but sing their heart out for us. In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, innocent characters harmed by society are thematically signified as mockingbirds. Firstly, the title signifies how one’s social status can be ruined by the prejudice of society. Secondly, the title signifies how racism can overrule the outcome of a trial. Lastly, the title signifies how one’s lifestyle can change society’s perception of them. The thematic significance of the title, To Kill A Mockingbird is to metaphorically compare society’s tragic flaw of wrongfully discriminating others to the harming of a mockingbird.
Initially, Boo Radley is misunderstood as a violent character, but is …show more content…
When Scout describes Dill’s fascination of the Radley Place, she explains the residency based on the community’s rumours. Scout states, “Inside the house lived a malevolent phantom [...] People said he went out at night when the moon was down [...] When people’s azaleas froze in a cold snap, it was because he had breathed on them” (Lee 9). Scout’s negative diction of ‘froze in a cold snap’ creates a dark imagery of Boo, indicating to readers that he is portrayed as a violent person. Furthermore, the metaphoric comparison of Boo to a malevolent phantom describes how society assumes his personality with little evidence, further suggesting how Boo is misunderstood. Since Boo is misjudged by society, it indicates how one’s social status can be ruined by the prejudice of society. Nevertheless, Boo is later described as a caring individual. Immediately after walking Boo home, Scout starts to understand things from his perspective and truly recognize his humanity. Scout sympathetically states, “He gave us two soap dolls, a broken …show more content…
When Mayella Ewell testifies in court, Atticus demands her to tell the truth. Ewell cries, “That n**ger yonder took advantage of me [...] do nothin’ about it then you’re all yellow stinkin‘ cowards, stinkin’ cowards, the lot of you” (Lee 214). Ewell’s epizeuxis of ‘stinkin‘ cowards, stinkin’ cowards’ suggests that she is attempting to influence the Caucasian jury, emphasizing the fact that a Caucasian person’s word is always higher than that of an African American’s. Additionally, the explicative usage of ‘n**ger’ further exaggerates the racism and bias demonstrated by society. Ewell’s testimony proves how racism can overrule the outcome of a trial. When Tom testifies, Mr. Deas argues against his conviction. Mr. Deas interrupts, “I just want the whole lot of you to know one thing right now. That boy’s worked for me eight years an‘ I ain’t had a speck o’trouble outa him” (Lee 223). Mr. Deas’ hyperbolic statement emphasizes the dedicated nature of Tom, suggesting his innocence to Lee’s audience. This proves that there are people like Mr. Deas who recognize Tom’s innocence, signifying his comparison to a mockingbird. Other than Tom Robinson, Dolphus Raymond can also be seen as a