Illusions In To Kill A Mockingbird

An illusion is defined as: a thing is or is likely to be wrong perceived or interpreted by the senses. Illusions occur everywhere and are unavoidable, however when faced with them, they are likely perceived or told wrong. Illusions are found in the novel through the theme of “Step into another’s skin”/ Appearance vs. Reality. Characters and symbols strongly exemplify this theme in multiple ways. In Harper Lee’s book: To Kill a Mockingbird she effectively uses characters and symbols in both hidden and obvious ways to get the theme through to the reader. Characters play a large role in developing the theme. This is shown through Boo Radely, Tom Robinson, and Dolphus Raymond. Boo Radely is neglected by the citizens of Maycomb. Rumours
Although a minor part of the story the snowman built by Jem and Scout shows much larger then what is seen. “Jem, I ain’t ever heard of a nigger snowman.” (pg. “68”). This shows that the snowman appears to be normal, however is not a regular snowman. It has a dirt inside which represents the black people of Maycomb while the snow on the outside represents the white people. This snowman shows the reality of the relationship between the African-Americans and the white townspeople. It shows how no matter what the African-Americans do, the white people will always be on top. It also shows that the African-Americans are the support to the white people and without the dirt there is no snowman. The mockingbird is a symbol referenced to a few times in the novel. The symbol carries a deep meaning, and describes some of the characters in the book. “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy . . . but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” (pg. “93”). This explains that although the mockingbird may appear to be a regular bird, it is harmless and does only good for everyone. This relates to Boo Radely and Tom Robinson. It shows that although something may appear to be very bad and adverse on the outside it can be tremendous and superb on the inside. The townspeople
Boo Radely, Tom Robinson, and Dolphus Raymond all represent characters who develop the theme of “Step into another’s skin”/ Appearance vs. Reality in unique ways. The snowman, the mockingbird, and the townspeople are all symbols, which develop the theme in hidden and obvious ways. Despite illusions being everywhere and being challenging to overcome, there is a way to see the truth in them all. It is to never see what is on the outside, but to always look at what is on the