In Harper Lee’s novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the passage involving Scout and Jem witnessing Tom Robinson’s trial serves as a poignant portrayal of the theme of innocence being disregarded due to immutable circumstances. Through the deft use of metaphors and symbolism, Lee skillfully conveys this theme. One notable metaphor is the mockingbird itself, which symbolizes innocence and purity. Tom Robinson, an African American man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman, embodies the essence of a mockingbird – harmless and benevolent, yet tragically targeted due to his race. Atticus Finch, the moral compass of the novel, imparts to his children Scout and Jem the solemn lesson that “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (90). This piece of advice …show more content…
Furthermore, the metaphorical portrayal of the courthouse serves as a powerful symbol of justice and fairness, juxtaposed against the harsh realities of racial inequality. Despite its grandeur, the courthouse became a crucible of injustice during Tom Robinson’s trial. As Scout observes, “the courthouse sagged in the square” (153), shows the moral decay and institutionalized racism that permeate society. This metaphorical depiction of the courthouse as a symbol of decay underscores the pervasiveness of injustice and the tragic consequences of overlooking innocence in the face of ingrained biases. Through these metaphors, Harper Lee masterfully conveys the theme of innocence being ignored based on unchangeable circumstances. The haunting images of the mockingbird and the courthouse serve as potent reminders of the profound injustices that persist in society. Lee’s use of metaphors enriches the narrative and invites readers to critically examine the moral complexities of prejudice and …show more content…
Moreover, the symbolism of the courthouse extends beyond its physical structure to encompass the very ideals it represents. The facade of impartiality and fairness crumbles under the weight of racial bias, revealing the inherent flaws within the justice system. As the trial progresses, the courthouse progresses from a symbol of justice and righteousness into a stark reminder of the systemic injustices that plague society. Similarly, Atticus Finch’s unwavering commitment to justice symbolizes the struggle against ingrained prejudice and discrimination. Despite his tireless efforts, Atticus confronts the sobering truth that systemic racism prevails over principles of fairness and equality. Atticus serves as a powerful demonstration of integrity with his unwavering commitment to defending Tom Robinson despite overwhelming social pressure. This exemplifies his belief in the inherent goodness of humanity. As Atticus implores the jury, “In the name of God, do your duty” (214), his impassioned plea symbolizes a fervent appeal to justice and
In the book, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” a lawyer named Atticus Finch attempts to convince a jury that a Negro should be found innocent in a case of lies and prejudice. The Negro, Tom Robinson, was sent to court because a man, Robert Ewell, accused Tom of raping his daughter, when in fact, he beat his own daughter for trying to kiss Tom. Atticus strives to change the stereotypical minds of the jury by looking past race. Atticus uses ethos, connotation, and a simile to challenge the jury’s pre-existing minds about race.
In Harper Lee’s, “To Kill A Mockingbird” a true definition of the mockingbird is shown, a symbol extremely important to the novel. In the beginning of the novel, Boo Radley is condemned – not because of his own actions but the misdeeds of those around him. Many stories were forged to generate a bad vibe for the name Boo Radley to the point that his house was essentially taboo. Later on Tom Robinson is proven as the Ultimate Mockingbird, Tom is just an average negro who tried to help out a white person, which was obviously a bad decision. Another definition of a mockingbird is innocence, which is evident in Atticus’ daughter Scout. The unwritten law, “It is a sin to kill a mockingbird” is often overlooked and also obeyed in Maycomb County.
Figurative language is in most well written novels. It helps develop the overall theme the author is trying to portray. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, I noticed Harper Lee distinctively used two types of figurative language. The first is symbolism, Lee used this twice during the novel with the mockingbird representing beauty innocence and Boo Radley representing the good in people. The second is motifs, Lee used this to emphasize the small town life in Maycomb, Alabama and helps give a better understanding of the people in the town.
...markings of an innocent childhood no longer. After Tom Robinson is shot, his murder is compared to “the senseless slaughter of songbirds”. Their hearts do nothing but sing out, making beautiful music for all to hear. This is why it is considered a sin to kill one. Jem Finch, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley can all be seen as “mockingbirds”. They never attempt to hurt anyone, yet Tom Robinson was framed for rape, Boo Radley was unlawfully labeled as a vague recluse and the innocence of Jem Fitch was unfairly stolen due to the evil nature of society.
Symbolism. Why is it important in a novel? Why do authors incorporate symbols into their writing? Symbolism aids the reader in understanding what the author wants to portray. In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill A Mockingbird, she writes about the racism in a small town in Alabama named Maycomb set in the 1930’s and about two children growing up and learning that their town is not as perfect as they thought. The theme topic appearance versus reality helps to get a better understanding of the symbols used in the novel and that you should not judge something by their appearance, you should judge by the reality of what it is. “As Atticus once advised me to do, I tried to climb into Jem’s skin and walk around in it.” (Scout page 77) In her novel, there are many symbols throughout the narrative that relate to the theme topic appearance versus reality. Harper Lee writes symbols into her novel, such as the snowman, Mrs. Dubose’s Camellia flower and Dolphus Raymond’s Coca-Cola bottle to help reinforce the theme topic of appearance versus reality throughout the novel.
“My hair was black like my mother’s but basically a nest of cowlicks, and it worried me that I didn’t have a chin.” (36).
In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, many notable themes arise, but the most prevalent theme is undeniably the theme of man’s inhumanity to man. At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to Scout Finch, who is naive and oblivious to the discrimination that occurs in Maycomb. However, through many events and through meeting many characters, we soon begin to realize that the world may not be so nice after all. Our suspicions are only confirmed once we witness the terrible injustices that occur during the trial.
“Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” (p.90) Miss. Maudie, one of the main protagonists in To Kill a Mockingbird, warns the young girl Scout that mockingbirds should not to be killed or hunted down because they represent those who are kind and innocent. So, on a broader spectrum, the term “to kill a mockingbird” symbolizes cruel and improper behavior towards people with good hearts and intentions. In the town of Maycomb, unethical behaviors, such as prejudice and gossip, are most commonly used against the “mockingbirds”. Three of those “mockingbirds” that are featured in this novel are Arthur “Boo” Radley, Tom Robinson, and Atticus Finch. Due to the depiction of the mockingbird symbol in the novel, the reader understands the consequences that immoral attitudes have towards those who are innocent and kindhearted.
In a desperate attempt to save his client, Tom Robinson, from death, Atticus Finch boldly declares, “To begin with, this case should never have come to trial. This case is as simple as black and white” (Lee 271). The gross amounts of lurid racial inequality in the early 20th century South is unfathomable to the everyday modern person. African-Americans received absolutely no equality anywhere, especially not in American court rooms. After reading accounts of the trials of nine young men accused of raping two white women, novelist Harper Lee took up her pen and wrote To Kill a Mockingbird, a blistering exposition of tragic inequalities suffered by African Americans told from the point of view of a young girl. Though there are a few trivial differences between the events of the Scottsboro trials and the trial of Tom Robinson portrayed in To Kill a Mockingbird, such as the accusers’ attitudes towards attention, the two cases share a superabundance of similarities. Among these are the preservation of idealist views regarding southern womanhood and excessive brutality utilized by police.
A symbol in literature is an object that stands for a word, cause, belief, or another object. A metaphor is a figure of speech where a word of phrase is applied to something but it should not be taken literally. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird, the mockingbird symbolizes innocence. The mockingbird is innocent, singing for people to hear its music. In the book Atticus says to Scout, “Remember it is a sin to kill a mockingbird.” When Scout asked Miss Maudie about it, Miss Maudie tells her, “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy… but they sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” Killing something so innocent would be a sin because it had never done anything to hurt you.
In a society surrounded by corruption, racism, and cruelty it is rare to find purity. Innocence is constantly being destroyed. For this reason, the harmless citizens need to be treasured and protected. Harper Lee 's classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird portrays the injustices of the 1930 's that expose the innocent to the mal of the society’s intentions. Some characters in the novel are characterized as harmless and pure and are symbolized by mockingbirds. It is then stated that killing a mockingbird is a sin, therefore meaning that killing innocent people is also sin. Lee’s eye-opening novel reminds the reader that one should protect the beauty of the innocence by not allowing
In 1960, a novel was written to outline injustices and racism against those who were innocent, though unfairly judged because of social expectations and prejudiced beliefs. This novel not only presented these issues, but is also considered a revolutionary piece of literature, still being read by many people today, more than 50 years later. The novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, has caused some controversy about the intents of the book and the way certain people or groups are presented. Whether To Kill a Mockingbird as a narrative outshines the issue it presents is a debatable argument. However, I believe that the narrative of the novel supports the concerns exhibited for numerous reasons. In what follows, some of these are presented: the historical
Title: Exploring Dual Themes through Trial: A Literary Analysis of "To Kill a Mockingbird" In Harper Lee's seminal work, "To Kill a Mockingbird," the trial of Tom Robinson emerges as a pivotal event, allowing the author to delve into profound themes such as racial injustice and the loss of innocence. Through poignant narrative and astute characterization, Lee illuminates the complexities of society while challenging readers' perceptions of morality and fairness. The trial of Tom Robinson serves as a compelling portrayal of racial prejudice and injustice entrenched within the fabric of Maycomb's society. Atticus Finch, the defense attorney, elucidates this harsh reality when he remarks, "In our courts, when it's a white man's word against a black man's, the white man always wins.
Harper Lee's “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a timeless narrative that delves into significant societal issues while following the journey of Scout, a young protagonist on the cusp of adulthood. Within this novel, a crucial turning point occurs during Tom Robinson's trial, where Tom Robinson is accused of raping and beating a white woman. In the trial, themes of empathy and understanding are prominently displayed. In this pivotal scene, Harper Lee deftly utilizes symbols such as the mockingbird and intricate characterizations to underscore the importance of empathy in Scout's coming-of-age journey, urging readers to transcend superficial judgments.
“You never really understood a person until you consider things from his point of view—until you climb into his skin and walk around it.” Atticus Finch is a man of extreme integrity. He, as both a lawyer and a human being, stands up for his democratic beliefs and encourages his children to stand up for their own, though they may stand alone. Harper Lee showed how far respect went in To Kill a Mockingbird when Atticus defended Tom Robinson in his rape trial. He did not think twice about being ridiculed by th...