A crippled black man named Tom accused of raping a white girl in 1930s Alabama town: Maycomb, and a creepy, mysterious man, Boo, that saves two children from the clutches of a drunken man: these men are the mockingbirds of Maycomb County. Mockingbirds are known to be likable animals that do not build nests or deface property; they only sing for everyone to hear. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, harmless characters are symbolized with a common songbird. This is demonstrated through Boo Radley and Tom Robinson.
Tom Robinson represents a mockingbird through his innocence and selflessness. Tom states, during his trial over his accusation of rape, that he “only helped the girl to bust up a clothes dresser” and that he was “not paid for his services” because he refused to accept the payment she offered him (Lee 256). Tom was offered money for his work; however, he refused, proving that he is a generous and generous person. After Tom is accused of rape, he goes to prison and tries to escape. Consequently, he is shot on his attempt at escaping. The town drunk, Mr. Underwood, announced that it “is a sin to kill cripples” and he compares Tom’s death to “senseless killing” (Lee 323). Atticus, the narrator’s father and the town lawyer who was on the Tom …show more content…
That unique type of songbird is neighborly and gracious towards people because they do not disturb them or their possessions. These men are falsely judged because based on looks and past events, similar to refugees. Refugees are people that flock from their countries, usually because of war, to protect themselves or loved ones. Many refugees are viewed as harmful or frightening because of malicious threats or attacks that their ancestors have committed. However, prematurely judging a person can lead to racism or stereotyping, therefore, one should not guess a person’s personality by their looks or
Tom Robinson represents a mockingbird through his innocence and selflessness. Tom states, during his trial over his accusation of rape, that he “only helped the girl to bust up a clothes dresser” and that he was “not paid for his services” because he refused to accept the payment she offered him (Lee 256). Tom was offered money for his work; however, he refused, proving that he is a generous and generous person. After Tom is accused of rape, he goes to prison and tries to escape. Consequently, he is shot on his attempt at escaping. The town drunk, Mr. Underwood, announced that it “is a sin to kill cripples” and he compares Tom’s death to “senseless killing” (Lee 323). Atticus, the narrator’s father and the town lawyer who was on the Tom …show more content…
That unique type of songbird is neighborly and gracious towards people because they do not disturb them or their possessions. These men are falsely judged because based on looks and past events, similar to refugees. Refugees are people that flock from their countries, usually because of war, to protect themselves or loved ones. Many refugees are viewed as harmful or frightening because of malicious threats or attacks that their ancestors have committed. However, prematurely judging a person can lead to racism or stereotyping, therefore, one should not guess a person’s personality by their looks or