To Kill A Mockingbird Tree Symbolism

In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Lee reveals the iconic symbol of the Oak Tree near the Radley house through imagery and diction. Lee’s use of the tree as a symbol illustrates the forgotten soul of Boo Radley who attempts to expose himself to the world who tried to cement him down. One example of Lee’s use of the tree is when Boo Radley uses the hole in the tree to communicate with the children. This is shown when Jem and Scout are just trotting around the town when they notice the knot hole in the tree, “Jem let me do the honors: I pulled out two small images carved into soap. One was a figure of a boy, the other wore a crude dress” (59). This is a key factor in the book because this indicates to Jem and Scout that Boo Radley
The kids are now becoming fascinated with the fact that Boo Radley is communicating with them. Finally, Harper Lee ends the symbol of the tree when Nathan Radley cements the tree hole and closes the children's communications with Boo Radley. This is shown when Scout sees Jem pale faced staring at the tree; “Someone had filled our hole with cement. Don’t you cry, now, Scout… don’t cry now, don’t you worry-” (62). By writing this emotional passage, Lee shows us what a terrible loss this is for the children. By doing this, Nathan Radley is cementing Boo from the outside world, not allowing anyone to know that he is a very kind and generous person. Instead, he is secluded into his home. A way this connects with the world today is how powerful governments try to control their citizens by forcing them in the country and feeding them constant lies, like North Korea. With all of Lee’s beautiful dialogue, we are able to see the true side of Boo Radley, as he uses the tree to communicate with children, attempting to break free from oppression and how important it is for people of power to silence those below them so the truth never comes