Essay On Symbolism In To Kill A Mockingbird
Symbols refer to ideas beyond the words, and are used to develop themes by making the reader interpret an idea for him/herself. To Kill A Mockingbird written by harper Lee in 1960 is a prime example of how symbolism can be effectively used to develop a theme. Lee uses many symbols throughout the novel to present thematic ideas to the reader. For example, the symbol of The Mockingbird is used to symbolize moral injustice. This symbol is essential to understanding the message of the book and is even referred to in the title. The mad dog is another important symbol used to represent challenges an individual must face, and the craziness of Maycomb. As a result, Harper Lee uses the symbols of The Mockingbird and The Mad Dog to develop the theme of a society’s moral injustice.
The symbol of The Mockingbird represents various characters throughout the novel and helps develop the theme of moral injustice. Tom robinson is an example of a “Mockingbird” because he never did anything wrong, however he was shot and wrongfully accused. The explanation of “a mockingbird” can be found in the book when Miss.Maudie says “ Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy (...) they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird”(Lee, 119). This explains why it is wrong for one to kill a mockingbird; since they do not cause anyone misfortune, it would be morally unjust to cause them misfortune. Tom Robinson is symbolized as a mockingbird …show more content…
because he never committed any wrong doings, but was accused of raping Mayella and was wrongfully convicted. Tom is a major character in the novel and his unjust misfortune develops the major theme of moral injustice. Another “mockingbird” found in the book is Scout because of her pre-mature loss of innocence. At the very end of the novel, even Scout herself says “ As I made my way home, I thought Jem and I would get grown but there wasn’t much else for us to learn”(374). Scout notices herself how she has grown up before she expected to. This relates to moral injustice because she has witnessed situations which matured her when she was too young. In summary, the mockingbird is used throughout the novel to symbolize multiple characters, while developing the theme of moral injustice.
Moreover, the symbol of the mad dog represents how one must make decisions based upon their morals and deal with the craziness of the people and maycomb. Atticus had to shoot the dog because of its “mad” behaviour. The dog didn't do anything harmful, therefore this proves to be morally unjust. When Atticus had to decide to shoot the dog, Scout narrates by saying “The rifle cracked, Tim Johnson leaped, flopped over and crumpled on the sidewalk in a brown and white heap. He didn't know what hit him” (127). This is significant because it is the part in the novel where Atticus had shot and killed the dog. The dog had not harmed anyone, but was killed for everyone's safety. Many would argue this is unfair. Even though the dog was crazy, Atticus had to shoot him. Luckily, Atticus had the skills to do so. The dog in this sense, represents the craziness of Maycomb and how Atticus has to deal with these situations. This develops a theme of moral injustice. Likewise, The dog symbolizes Tom Robinson and how the injustice in one's life is caused by your surroundings." I thought mad dog foam at the mouse, galloped, leaped and lunged at throats, and I thought they did it in August. Had Tim Johnson behavior thus, I would have been less frightened”(125) says Scout. The one thing to notice is the dog's name; Tim Johnson. Which sound strangely familiar to Tom Robinson. Lee uses this to directly use the dog as a symbol for Tom Robinson. Again the thematic idea of moral injustice is brought up in this connection. Therefore, the mad dog is a symbol of injustice and decision-making, and is used to develop those major themes in the novel.
All in all, the theme of moral injustice in a society is greatly developed by symbols such as the Mockingbird and the mad dog.
Lee uses the symbols to represent the unjust in an individual’s life, which shows the reader the injustice and Maycomb. Moral injustice, whether it be a way of thinking, or in a society, can create unnecessary conflict in one's life and only has negative effects. These effects will drastically change an individual’s life and their
future.
The symbol of The Mockingbird represents various characters throughout the novel and helps develop the theme of moral injustice. Tom robinson is an example of a “Mockingbird” because he never did anything wrong, however he was shot and wrongfully accused. The explanation of “a mockingbird” can be found in the book when Miss.Maudie says “ Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy (...) they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird”(Lee, 119). This explains why it is wrong for one to kill a mockingbird; since they do not cause anyone misfortune, it would be morally unjust to cause them misfortune. Tom Robinson is symbolized as a mockingbird …show more content…
because he never committed any wrong doings, but was accused of raping Mayella and was wrongfully convicted. Tom is a major character in the novel and his unjust misfortune develops the major theme of moral injustice. Another “mockingbird” found in the book is Scout because of her pre-mature loss of innocence. At the very end of the novel, even Scout herself says “ As I made my way home, I thought Jem and I would get grown but there wasn’t much else for us to learn”(374). Scout notices herself how she has grown up before she expected to. This relates to moral injustice because she has witnessed situations which matured her when she was too young. In summary, the mockingbird is used throughout the novel to symbolize multiple characters, while developing the theme of moral injustice.
Moreover, the symbol of the mad dog represents how one must make decisions based upon their morals and deal with the craziness of the people and maycomb. Atticus had to shoot the dog because of its “mad” behaviour. The dog didn't do anything harmful, therefore this proves to be morally unjust. When Atticus had to decide to shoot the dog, Scout narrates by saying “The rifle cracked, Tim Johnson leaped, flopped over and crumpled on the sidewalk in a brown and white heap. He didn't know what hit him” (127). This is significant because it is the part in the novel where Atticus had shot and killed the dog. The dog had not harmed anyone, but was killed for everyone's safety. Many would argue this is unfair. Even though the dog was crazy, Atticus had to shoot him. Luckily, Atticus had the skills to do so. The dog in this sense, represents the craziness of Maycomb and how Atticus has to deal with these situations. This develops a theme of moral injustice. Likewise, The dog symbolizes Tom Robinson and how the injustice in one's life is caused by your surroundings." I thought mad dog foam at the mouse, galloped, leaped and lunged at throats, and I thought they did it in August. Had Tim Johnson behavior thus, I would have been less frightened”(125) says Scout. The one thing to notice is the dog's name; Tim Johnson. Which sound strangely familiar to Tom Robinson. Lee uses this to directly use the dog as a symbol for Tom Robinson. Again the thematic idea of moral injustice is brought up in this connection. Therefore, the mad dog is a symbol of injustice and decision-making, and is used to develop those major themes in the novel.
All in all, the theme of moral injustice in a society is greatly developed by symbols such as the Mockingbird and the mad dog.
Lee uses the symbols to represent the unjust in an individual’s life, which shows the reader the injustice and Maycomb. Moral injustice, whether it be a way of thinking, or in a society, can create unnecessary conflict in one's life and only has negative effects. These effects will drastically change an individual’s life and their
future.