An Analysis of Symbolism in “To Kill a Mockingbird"

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“Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird,” Atticus Finch advises his children (90). A neighbor, Mrs. Maudie, explains why: “Mockingbirds 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 one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (90). Mockingbirds are a prevalent symbol throughout Harper Lee’s novel. Any character that does no harm, yet is harmed by others can be considered a “mockingbird”. Additionally, the novel illustrates the theme of prejudice in a multitude of forms. In “To Kill a Mockingbird”, the symbol of the mockingbird supports the theme of prejudice in sexism, ostracism, and racism.
The first mockingbird in the novel is Scout Finch, the tomboy narrator. From a young age, she has resented “girly things”, most likely because her upbringing was influenced by her widowed father and older brother. “Scout,… shut your trap or go home—I declare to the Lord you’re gettin’ more like a girl every day!” Jem tells her (51). Jem uses the word “girl” with a negative connotation, and Scout will do anything to keep Jem and Dill from thinking of her as a girl. Aunt Alexandra, her father’s sister, is later brought into her life to provide a feminine influence; however, her aunt only chastises Scout for her tomboy ways: “Aunt Alexandra was fanatical on the subject of my attire. I could not possibly hope to be a lady if I wore breeches; when I said I could do nothing in a dress, she said I wasn’t supposed to be doing things that required pants” (81). Aunt Alexandra’s attitude about pants shows what she deems acceptable for a young lady; she believes Scout sh...

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...lps Scout to realize, “Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed” (241). Although the trial appears fair on the surface, it shows racism that ultimately causes Tom’s demise, and the majority of Maycomb agrees with the outcome.
In summation, Harper Lee uses the symbol of a mockingbird to illustrate three different kinds of prejudice in “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Scout, the narrator, capitulates to the pressure to act like a lady, illustrating sexism in the process. Boo Radley, a friendly man circulated by hideous rumors, demonstrates the theme of ostracism. Finally, Tom Robinson, an innocent man, faces his downfall due to the racism of Maycomb. All three of these characters are mockingbirds, for they hurt no one and are hurt in many ways. Through symbolism, Lee was able to illustrate a clearer picture of prejudice in her fictional town.

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