He explains that it's a sin to kill a mockingbird, because they don't do anything bad to anyone, they only sing. This same lesson can be applied to characters in Lee's novel, such as Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, based on the fact that they're innocent people that are harmed and wronged by the evils of humanity. In some way, each of them are like mockingbirds, and by harming them, innocence is destroyed. The idea of mockingbirds representing innocence is a lasting one for the duration of the novel, and forces readers to take a look at the bigger picture. Perhaps the most relatable event to the symbolism, the Tom Robinson case depicts the destruction of innocence first hand.
To Kill A Mockingbird: Compare and Contrast Essay The Mockingbird “Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird”(Lee, 90). In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch explains to his daughter Scout, that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird because these birds do not do anything to harm or bother others. All they do is sing pretty music for all to enjoy. Within the novel, the theme of the mockingbird is present through the characters of Boo Radley and Tom Robinson. These two execute the theme of the mockingbird through the misinterpretation of themselves by the people of Maycomb, their innocence, and bravery throughout the novel.
The courage is portrayed through symbolism of mockingbird, character who tries his best to protect innocent people, and historical and geographical setting which explain why racism was excessive in Maycomb and how courageous people suffer from it. From figurative language and characterization, readers can see how courageous people protect innocent people when setting shows that people knew there were significant threat or even harm but persisted in doing the right thing. Usage of literary features, such as symbolization of mockingbirds are critical to the development of the message. In this novel, mockingbirds symbolize innocence because they "don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do
To Kill a Mockingbird focuses on “Maycomb’s usual disease,” as a pivotal part of the book, but also shows that compassion and wisdom can exist in these most bleak areas. The prejudice and bigotry comes from the lack of knowledge of Maycomb, and their fear to change what they have grown up with. Pre-conceived ideas are the main reason that Maycomb is ignorant of black people as they are afraid what a change of those pre-conceived ideas will bring. Even so, compassion still exists, as Atticus is able to save Scout and Jem from the influence of ‘Maycomb’s usual disease.’ Wisdom is also embodied by Atticus, where his wisdom, which is not necessarily knowledge but life experience, is able to force him to do things which are right, shown in his reluctant shooting of the rabid dog. The lack of knowledge in Maycomb about the outside world and their opinions about black people ingrains ‘Maycomb’s usual disease’ into their minds as they have no other opinions about black people.
Maudie, try to teach the children not to hurt mockingbirds as they don't harm anything and "...don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy" (90). While the comparison of a mockingbird to Tom Robinson illustrates the sin of hurting the innocent, it is also used to show the goodness of an unknown neighbor, Boo Radley. I. Describe what Tom Robinson is on trial for. A. summarize one of the reasons we believe he is innocent 1. his left arm is useless a. find quote where Tom says it got caught and the muscles were ripped (#).
A mockingbird is a harmless bird that makes the world more pleasant. In To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the mockingbird symbolizes Boo Radley and Tom Robinson, who were both peaceful people who never did any harm. To kill or harm them would be a sin. Scout's father, Atticus, tells Scout and Jem, "I'd rather you shoot at tin cans in the backyard, but I know you'll go after birds. Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.
The title of the story ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is very significant to the case of Tom Robinson. Mockingbirds are seen to be innocent birds that mind their own business and don’t harm anything or anyone. Harper Lee uses a Mockingbird as a metaphor to describe Tom Robinson as innocent and harmless. And to kill it would be immoral and totally unprovoked, like the community of Maycomb wanting to convict and kill Tom Robinson of something he clearly did not
The mockingbird is a major symbol in the novel because of Atticus’ belief that it is a sin to kill this bird. He says, “Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you hit ‘em, but remember, it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee 103). This belief stems from the concept that mockingbirds are innocent and do not harm anyone, so they should not be
He did not speak for a moment.” The characteristic of humility is an important thing to have as a parent and as a role model. Nevertheless, Atticus does present himself overall as a highly moral parent. Lee uses him as a vehicle to present her ‘mockingbird’ metaphor with the message that we need to protect innocence and those vulnerable. Both Boo Radley and Tom Robinson are likened to mockingbirds, with Tom’s death described as, “the senseless slaughter of songbirds by hunters and children.” The extended metaphor across the book allows both the reader and Scout to learn the need for equality and reveals the consequences of prejudice and racism. .
But remember this, no matter how bitter things get, they're still our friends and this is our home" Pg 76 This quote shows us that Atticus does not want his problem (defending Tom Robinson) to become a problem for Scout and Jem. I choose this quote because it is Atticus is saying no matter what happens they will still be your friends. 6. “…remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” Pg 90 This is a good metaphoric example. Atticus suggests shoot all the blue jays you want but not a mocking bird.