To Kill A Mockingbird Symbols

Samantha Phan
Mrs. Futagaki
English Honors 1, Period 6
18 November 2016
To Kill a Mockingbird Analysis Paper Symbols are the key components in a story because it takes the work and adds another dimension that writing without symbols do not have. They conceal a deeper meaning and understanding in contemplation of extending the story beyond the imagination. Additionally, they often represent ideas that relate to the theme without the author implying it in the text, which allows the reader to reflect and interpret the writer’s viewpoint. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee skillfully demonstrates how society can impact a character based on class and identity by applying symbols like a mockingbird to represent innocent individuals who do no harm
For instance, Tom Robinson used the time out of his day to help someone in need. He explained to Mr. Gilmer how “Mr. Ewell didn’t seem to help [Mayella] none and neither did the chillun” and realized that “she didn’t have no nickels to spare” (256) for herself and her family. Unfortunately, this act of kindness contributed to Tom’s imprisonment and ultimately his death because the town failed to understand what equality meant, but instead judged one based on their race or actions. Not even Atticus was able to save him because he was a mockingbird with a shattered wing, unable to fly. Furthermore, Mr. Underwood compared his death to “the senseless slaughter of songbirds” (323) in the Maycomb Tribune. Mr. Underwood wrote how Maycomb is such an unjust society that even children like Scout could see it. Tom represents a mockingbird because he was destroyed by society when all he ever done was treated others with respect. Tom had received atrocious remarks merely on the color of his skin which people believed were true. His actions spread around town like a wildfire which is why mockingbirds were mainly affected by the gossiping that took place since a couple of people cannot go against the majority to stop the assumptions. This exhibits not only the theme of prejudice, but a sin in killing a mockingbird because Tom had done nothing wrong but help someone
Everyone should spread love, and not hate because it won’t benefit anyone by saying negative remarks about one another. The African American community in Maycomb was considered a lower class than even the poorest and less fortunate white people. They gave respect to everyone, but never received it back. This affects the mockingbirds in the book as they were portrayed by society as nonhuman. The mockingbirds shown in the novel revolved around the themes of prejudice and good against evil. Treat others the way an individual would want to be treated and never have a set conclusion on another without getting to know them