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The Mockingbird Symbol in Tkm

  • Date Submitted: 03/01/2014 10:17 AM
  • Flesch-Kincaid Score: 59.5 
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The Mockingbird

“Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird,” (P. 119). To Kill A Mockingbird written by Harper Lee takes place in a small Alabama town, an era and location dominated by racism and prejudice. The story occurs in the early 1930s during the Great Depression. Mockingbirds are mentioned and used in the book numerous times, but they represent more than just birds. Mockingbirds are people who do nothing but good, and it is a sin to kill one. Three examples of mockingbirds in the book are Tom Robinson, Boo Radley and Atticus Finch.
Tom Robinson represents someone who did nothing wrong but was killed. When Tom Robinson is first introduced in To Kill A Mockingbird we learned that he was accused of raping Mayella Ewell. As we continue to explore the case, we find that Tom has done nothing wrong. He continuously helped Mayella chop firewood, move things, and many others. As Mr. Link Deas, his employer stated, “That boy’s worked for me eight years an’ I ain’t had a speck o’trouble outa him. Not a speck,” (P. 261). This quote reveals that Tom has never done anything negligent; he only helps people, but was killed in vein; it truly was a sin. Tom is a very innocent character in general. In many instances Tom exhibits qualities and actions that are intentioned well, never to hurt anybody. Going into the trial Mr. Robinson was completely innocent and never did anything immoral. Tom Robinson represents someone who was discriminated against, but was innocent. Boo Radley also exemplifies these qualities.
Mockingbirds are a common symbol used in To Kill A Mockingbird and Boo Radley is unquestionably one of them. Arthur Radley is yet another character that displays the attributes necessary to be considered a mockingbird. He has helped the children in many ways, such as when Boo aids Jem by sewing his pants together when he rips them on the Radley fence. Another example of Boo assisting the children is...



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