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Common american themes in literature
Scout to kill a mockingbird character analysis
Scout to kill a mockingbird character analysis
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Symbolism
Harper Lee uses the technique of symbolism to convey the protagonist in the story. Symbolism is a key element to the novel. As the novel progresses, the reader begins to understand that the Mockingbird in the title of the novel represents two significant characters Tom Robinson and Boo Radley. It is first expressed by Atticus when he says to Scout “Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but just remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (page 99). It is evident to the reader that Atticus is implying that it is wrong to ridicule and gossip about Boo Radley as the town does because he does not do anything to harm anyone. Also, it is unjust to wrongfully imprison Tom Robinson, as he just wanted to help Mayella and cause no harm.
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Like a mockingbird, Tom Robinson never hurt anyone. He was hardworking and honest man unlike Bob Ewell. Mayella and Bob Ewell accuse Tom Robinson of a crime that he did not commit. The town also accused Tom by assuming that he is guilty just because he is a Negro and his alleged victim is white. After Tom Robinson is killed, the people of Maycomb assume it's "typical of a Negro to cut and run." Tom Robinson was a humble family man with a wife and children. Tom's biggest mistake was setting foot in the Ewell house in the first place. His intent was only to help Mayella and provide some needed assistance in a household that provided Mayella little comfort and support. All Tom Robinson ever did was attempt to help Miss Ewell, by sentencing him to death; the jury "killed a
Harper Lee is the author of To Kill A Mockingbird. She uses symbolism in this book which means using symbols to represent ideas or qualities. In her novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses Tom, Mayella, and Boo Radley as human “Mockingbirds” to contribute to the overall theme of innocence.
(263,264). By demonstrating that Jem did not instigate the attack upon him or his sister, Lee is able to show that Jem is a non instigator also known as a “Mockingbird” because he did not do anything to bring the attack upon himself or his sister. Also, Lee demonstrates the none “Mockingbird” Mr. Bob Ewell by attacking the young Finch children. Another instance of “Mockingbird” characters is Tom Robinson, a hardworking, family loving African American who was put up for his life against the word of two white people even though he had not committed any offences he was being charged for. Tom Robinson was found “Guilty. .
Tom was shot by 17 bullets for no reason, they killed him so they could prove to the others that they would chose a white man word over a black man's anyday. Likewise, mockingbirds are killed for no reason too, just for personal enjoyment. After Tom’s death, Mr. underwood writes an editorial that describes Tom’s death as the “senseless slaughter of a songbird”. This means that the innocent and warm hearted Tom was judged by the color of his skin and was misjudged by people in Maycomb, just like how the mockingbird was killed by people. Tom realizing that he’s going to be stuck in prison forever tried to make a run for it “we had such a good chance. I guess Tom was tired of white men’s chances and prefered to take his own”. (Pg.236). Tom tried to escape just like a mockingbird that escapes from it’s cage to only be shot by men. The people in Maycomb never understood that what they did to Tom was wrong and never knew that Tom was trying to escape from his death, this can relate to the mockingbirds that get killed by people without them noticing that they mean no harm and that they’re only here to bring us happiness with their music. Tom Robinson lives like a mockingbird, he’s an innocent, kind, loving person who is destroyed by evil
Tom Robinson is a kind black man whom Atticus is defending against the charge that he raped Mayella Ewell. Atticus knows that he will lose because Tom is black, but he also knows that Tom is innocent and that he has to defend him. Tom Robinson is portrayed as a hard-working father and husband in the novel and he was only attempting to help Mayella since no one else would, but she made advances that he refused and her father saw them. On the witness stand, he testifies that he helped her because, "'Mr. Ewell didn't seem to help her none, and neither did the chillun.'" (256). Even though Tom helps Mayella out of kindness and pity, Mayella is trapped and must accuse him of raping her to save her own life. Shortly after being wrongfully convicted
Robinson resembles a mockingbird because he does not cause any harm to the town of Maycomb. This particular mockingbird is killed when Mayella Ewell falsely accuses him of rape. Although all the evidence proves that Robinson is innocent, it is a battle between an African American and a white woman. “The one place where a man ought to get a square deal is in a courtroom, be he any color of the rainbow but people have a way of carry their resentments right into the jury box” (Lee 220). Robinson is eventually convicted because of the prejudice and racism that clouds everyone in the jury and every citizen of Maycomb. “Tom Robinson’s a colored man, Jem. No jury in this part of the world’s going to say “We think you’re guilty, but not very on a charge on like that.” It was either a straight acquittal or nothing” (Lee 219). Tom Robinson may not be guilty of raping Mayella, but he is guilty of feeling sorry for a lonely, white
“Remember, it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (119). That’s what Atticus says to Jem and Scout when they want to kill birds with their new rifle guns. To Kill A Mockingbird is an excellent novel with a plethora of deep, powerful messages and themes found within the story. One theme that was especially dominant was the idea of gossip and innocence. This theme is recurrent throughout the entire novel. A symbol that aids the theme is the mockingbird, ironically found in the title of the book. Harper Lee used a variety of quotes and the mockingbird symbol to demonstrate how gossip can control a group of people (the town) and destroy the innocence found within people.
To begin with, Tom Robinson is an innocent being that resembles a mockingbird because he is falsely accused of raping Mayella Ewell. He is a black man that believes in equality. '''Yes suh. I felt sorry for her, she seemed to try more'n the rest of 'em-''' (Lee, 209) This honest statement Tom Robinson makes is a big mistake because back in the 1900s, there was a lot of discrimination which meant black people should never feel sorry for white people. It is a sin to kill Tom Robinson because he is a harmless citizen that means no harm to anyone in Maycomb. The death of Tom Robinson was typical to many white citizens in Maycomb because if black people were ever convicte...
Harper Lee uses symbolism extensively throughout To Kill a Mockingbird,, and much of it refers to the problems of racism in the South during the early twentieth century. Harper Lee's effective use of racial symbolism and allegory can be seen by studying various examples from the book, namely the actions of the children, of the racist whites, and of Atticus Finch.
"I'd rather you shoot at tin cans in the backyard, but I know you'll go after birds. Shoot all the bluejays you want , if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." This is what Atticus Finch tells his children after they are given air-rifles for Christmas. Uniquely, the title of the classic novel by Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird, was taken from this passage. At first glance, one may wonder why Harper Lee decided to name her book after what seems to be a rather insignificant excerpt. After careful study, however, one begins to see that this is just another example of symbolism in the novel. Harper Lee uses symbolism rather extensively throughout this story, and much of it refers to the problems of racism in the South during the early twentieth century. Harper Lee's effective use of racial symbolism can be seen by studying various examples from the book. This includes the actions of the children, the racist whites, and the actions of Atticus Finch.
After a long fought case, Tom Robinson was found guilty and was sent to the local jail. Tom knew he wasn't supposed to be their and tried to escape. He was shot and killed as he seeked freedom. Mr. Underwood, a newspaper writer, compared,"...Tom's death to the senseless slaughter of songbirds..." (Lee 241). There was no reason to kill Tome, he didn't harm anyone or caused any trouble. Tom was guilty because of race and the fact that whites rule this era. In this time period, the 1930's, segregation was a huge problem for colored people. It was obvious he didn't rape or do any harm to Mayella Ewell. Tom was just judge on the beliefs of all colored people being criminals and cowards. After Mayella won the court case, her father, Bob Ewell was after Jem and Scout to punish their father for defending Tom Robinson. As Scout and Jem make their way home one night, they were attacked by Bob. Lucky, Boo Radley protected the child and murdered Bob. After Scout realized Boo saved their lives, she stated, "...our neighbors image blurred with my sudden tears" (Lee 270). At that moment Scout knew she had mistaken Boo Radley her entire life. The children aren't to blame though, Maycomb judged Boo as an evil and crazy person based on uncertain stories. Boo Radley accepted the fact that many believed he was psycho, forcing to keep his life on
The book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, which is one of the best books, is filled with incredible connections and fantastic foreshadowing. Once you pick up this book, you will need the key of being able to dissect the book in order to unlock its full potential. Through the three-and-a-half year-long journey that is To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee takes Jeremy Atticus Finch and Jean Louise Finch through a never-ending pile of events. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is about Jem and Scout Finch and their childhood in Maycomb, Alabama. Their lives consist of a never-ending-chain-of-events, many interesting and unique people, and life’s lessons that give Jem, Scout, and Atticus a fresh view of the world. Not many people have actually seen and experienced Tom Robinson and Arthur “Boo” Radley, and this leads to incorrect thoughts about each character. Tom and Boo have a lot of good in them. They are both like Mockingbirds because they are both innocent humans harmed by the evil of mankind. In Harper Lee’s novel, both Boo Radley and Tom Robinson are innocent characters, but Boo’s kindness is hidden by rumors and Tom’s generosity is hidden by stereotypes.
“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.
Lee writes about the importance of acceptance in a society corrupted by prejudice. This discrimination is purely based on appearance. The foundation of society was flawed, as it was dependent on the segregation of black and white citizens. However there are people who comprehend this problem that stand out from the crowd. Atticus was dedicated to delivering justice to Tom Robinson, regardless of the fact that he lost the trial. Finch, Tom and Boo Radley were all judged by the majority of Maycomb for their choices; however none of these people have done wrong. They believed discrimination was wrong. Lee used symbolism of the mockingbird to highlight this fact; as Finch said: “shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird”. These characters stand against society’s flow because they understand the importance of accepting others differences. Skin does not reflect the content of character; it was unfair to judge others. “You never really understand someone until you consider things from his point of view… Until you
The famous line “It’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (from the classic American novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee means more than just killing a bird. Similar to many stories, symbolism is heavily utilized in To Kill a Mockingbird in order to add meaning and depth to the story. Lee cleverly uses the mockingbird as a symbol to represent two main characters in the book, Boo Radley and Tom Robinson. She also uses the mockingbird as a symbol itself to illuminate her views on how much of a problem racism and social injustice was in the 1930s.
The main symbols discussed and portrayed in the book were Tim Johnson, the Mockingbirds and Boo Radley. Tim Johnson was a neighbourhood dog who appeared down the Finch’s street one day, but looked very ill and was rabid. Calpurnia the black maid working at the Finch’s rang Atticus and he shot it. Tim Johnson could symbolize the prejudice and mob mentality of Maycomb at the time and because Atticus shot Tim this represents Atticus’s morals beliefs about stopping racism and creating equality. The Mockingbird used in the title of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is the most important symbol depicted in this novel. One day Atticus told Jem that he’d rather Jem shoot at tin cans, but he knew Jem would go after birds. He gave Jem permission to shoot all the blue jays he felt like, but it was a sin to kill a mockingbird. Jem then went to Miss Maudie to ask about what Atticus had just said, "Your father’s right," she said. "Mockingbirds don’t do one thing except make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corn cribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” This conveys the loss of innocence in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ and thus killing a Mockingbird is to destroy innocence. A number of characters (Jem, Tom Robinson, Dill, Boo Radley, Mr. Raymond) can be identified as Mockingbirds who have been injured or destroyed through their contact with evil. As the novel progresses, the children’s perspective towards Boo Radley matures and this replicates the development of the children. Boo Radley was once an intelligent child, only to be ruined by his cruel father is one of the most important mockingbirds as his innocence was destroyed. Luckily for Jem and Scout, Boo was merely a source of childhood superstition often leaving presents for them. Despite the pain that Boo