Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird
A mockingbird is grey, black and blue. The mockingbird is known to be kind, harmless and joyful, bringing beautiful music. As Atticus Finch explains, “It is a sin to kill a mockingbird”(90). It is considered a sin because a mockingbird provides music and does not bother anyone. Harper Lee integrates the symbolism of a mockingbird to the characters in the book, adding a depth to their personality to them. Harper Lee in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird uses the mockingbird as a symbol of innocence and harmlessness through the characters Dolphus Raymond, Tom Robinson and Arthur (Boo) Radley.
Dolphus Raymond’s personality resembles a mockingbird. Dolphus Raymond is innocent and harmless like a mockingbird. …show more content…
Arthur Radley would be likely considered a mockingbird as a theoretical mockingbird. Arthur Radley avoids doing all wrong to other people, yet he is helpless and abused by others because of his reclusiveness. Arthur’s dad Nathan was not a very kind man, “ Nobody knew what form of intimidation Mr.Radley employed to keep Boo out of sight, but Jem figured that Mr.Radley kept him chained to the bed most of the time. Atticus said no, it was not that sort of thing, that there were other ways of making people in to ghosts”(11). Since he is a reclusive person he goes under a lot of scrutiny from his father, the town of Maycomb especially the children but still remains calm and tranquil. Arthur Radley’s not a very outgoing person but he is a very brave man, especially to Jem and Scout. His bravery is shown through his actions, “The man was walking with the staccato steps of someone carrying a load too heavy for him. He was going around the corner. He was carrying Jem. Jem’s arm was dangling crazily in front of him. By the time I reached the corner the man was crossing our front yard. Light from our front door framed Atticus for an instant; he ran down the steps, and together, he and the man took Jem inside.”(267). This man later identified as Arthur Radley has been watching out for Jem and Scout protecting them from Bob Ewell. He shows a true act of courage since he is a very shy guy and acting out of nature by saving the children is a very courageous thing for him to do. Arthur Radley never purposely tries to disturb other people, it would be sinful to hurt someone like Arthur. Arthur behaves innocently, “Indian-heads”, he said. "Nineteen-six and Scout, one of em's nineteen-hundred.” Arthur’s gifts show acts of kindness and generosity. He is making an effort trying to communicate with the children similar to the way a mockingbird wants to sing out loud in the
A mockingbird is grey, black and blue. The mockingbird is known to be kind, harmless and joyful, bringing beautiful music. As Atticus Finch explains, “It is a sin to kill a mockingbird”(90). It is considered a sin because a mockingbird provides music and does not bother anyone. Harper Lee integrates the symbolism of a mockingbird to the characters in the book, adding a depth to their personality to them. Harper Lee in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird uses the mockingbird as a symbol of innocence and harmlessness through the characters Dolphus Raymond, Tom Robinson and Arthur (Boo) Radley.
Dolphus Raymond’s personality resembles a mockingbird. Dolphus Raymond is innocent and harmless like a mockingbird. …show more content…
Arthur Radley would be likely considered a mockingbird as a theoretical mockingbird. Arthur Radley avoids doing all wrong to other people, yet he is helpless and abused by others because of his reclusiveness. Arthur’s dad Nathan was not a very kind man, “ Nobody knew what form of intimidation Mr.Radley employed to keep Boo out of sight, but Jem figured that Mr.Radley kept him chained to the bed most of the time. Atticus said no, it was not that sort of thing, that there were other ways of making people in to ghosts”(11). Since he is a reclusive person he goes under a lot of scrutiny from his father, the town of Maycomb especially the children but still remains calm and tranquil. Arthur Radley’s not a very outgoing person but he is a very brave man, especially to Jem and Scout. His bravery is shown through his actions, “The man was walking with the staccato steps of someone carrying a load too heavy for him. He was going around the corner. He was carrying Jem. Jem’s arm was dangling crazily in front of him. By the time I reached the corner the man was crossing our front yard. Light from our front door framed Atticus for an instant; he ran down the steps, and together, he and the man took Jem inside.”(267). This man later identified as Arthur Radley has been watching out for Jem and Scout protecting them from Bob Ewell. He shows a true act of courage since he is a very shy guy and acting out of nature by saving the children is a very courageous thing for him to do. Arthur Radley never purposely tries to disturb other people, it would be sinful to hurt someone like Arthur. Arthur behaves innocently, “Indian-heads”, he said. "Nineteen-six and Scout, one of em's nineteen-hundred.” Arthur’s gifts show acts of kindness and generosity. He is making an effort trying to communicate with the children similar to the way a mockingbird wants to sing out loud in the