Arthur Radley Symbolism

It is a sin to kill a mockingbird, maybe that is why it is upsetting when the innocent is accused. Life falls apart when victims become the accused. No one stands up for the accused; they bow their heads and bow out. The mockingbird is a theme of innocence, and when accused of something terrible, Tom Robinson and Arthur Radley are the most innocent of all.

The mockingbird is the largest theme in To Kill A Mockingbird. The mockingbird is a symbol of innocence and freedom. The birds are free and open; they "make music for [everyone] to enjoy" (103). They are innocent of never destroying or bother anyone or anything. Furthermore, there are several mockingbird references, two symbols are present the most. Some references to this theme are Miss Maudie's flowers that a fire destroys and the roly-poly that Scout picks on. The two major symbols are Arthur Radley and Tom Robinson. They are perfect symbols because of the accusations thrown in their faces. Tom sacrifices his life to save himself and his family from father suffering, while Arthur saves Jem and Scout from the wrath of Bob Ewell. "[It is] sort of like shootin' a mockingbird" (317), and it is.

The accusations of an evilness against Arthur cause his life to become trapped. Arthur's father traps him in their house to keep Arthur away from Maycomb, allowing rumors to build up about how he stabs his father. Arthur comes off as crazy, especially when Scout hears "someone inside the house [is] laughing" (45). The Radley house and stories terrify all Maycomb citizens. Additionally, Arthur is one of the mockingbird symbols. He is mistaken as a villain, a criminal; he is not. He "[does not] mean any harm" (292). Arthur looks for a friend he can play with outside the house. He saves Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell because he sees his friends in danger. Arthur Radley is a savior to the Finchs and disproves all rumors about him and his