How The White Camellia Flower Symbolize In To Kill A Mockingbird

The Significance of a Character's Development Framed by Symbolism in To Kill A Mockingbird

A symbol can be simple similar to a colour or deep enough to represent a spiritual meaning. The novel, To Kill A Mockingbird is enhanced by many symbols and events that represent the wisdom, theme, setting or nature of a person. Maycomb being a biased town, Mrs.Dubose is one of the most racist women living there. However, the white camellia flower portrays Ms.dubose’s inner self, her real courage and the distinctive person she is. The society of Maycomb quickly judges people either by a rumour or the way their lineage is corresponding to status, race and wealth. Tom Robinson’s race differentiates him regardless of the blame he is not guilty of. The mockingbird symbol

illustrates his innocence and goodness that is being shaded upon.

In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses symbolism to effectively develop the characters, Mrs. Dubose and Tom Robinson.

Camellias are full of petals embodying the complicated sick, elderly Mrs.Dubose yet it signifies adoration. The white camellia flower is a symbol that gracefully describes the character development of Mrs.Dubose. Even though, she seemed like a nasty woman she is a fighter. Atticus states, “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. According to her views, she died beholden to nothing and nobody. She was the bravest person I ever knew” (Lee 149). The camellia flower symbolizes the purity and death of Mrs.Dubose. She is a brave human to stop using the morphine drug which decreases the level of pain when she is suffering. Indeed, she fights and makes a firm decision to not continue the drug use. An individual would find it hard to resist the pain rather, Ms.Dubose pursued it in a different way. She already knew she was at loss however, she still restrained the discomfort and her braveness brought out the courage that

was deep within her. Her perspective on life should inspire us to take hard situations and overcome them with elegance. Moreover, Mrs.Dubose characterizes as a distinctive independant. These wise words, “she had her own views about things, a lot different from mine, maybe…son, I told you that if you hadn’t lost your head I’d have made you go read to her” (149). Jem is shocked when he receives the camellia after the death of Mrs.Dubose. Nevertheless, it symbolizes how someone might act in a negative way from the outside but can have a soft side within. Mrs.Dubose is first known as an ill-mannered, racist and unpleasant woman. However, what made her beautiful was the way she looked at the world. When Mrs.Dubose passes away, she brings out an exclusive inner personality. To conclude, Mrs.Dubose is an awful person to the Finch family and a strong criticizer on Atticus defending Tom Robinson yet, she’s a genuine thoughtful woman we should considerate.

Mockingbirds are harmless, innocent creatures that only sing for us thus, they play a deep role in the novel. The mockingbird is an iconic symbol in the book that represents the character development of Tom Robinson. Scout’s father puts his best efforts to save Tom Robinson, “Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men's hearts Atticus had no case” (28). This reflects on the innocence of Tom Robinson. Regardless of Tom Robinson not being guilty, the citizens of Maycomb has said he is responsible for committing the rape. Maycomb displays as a unjust town that will always cover the tracks of white folks even if they’re blameworthy. They know in their hearts he is uninvolved, and yet, their decision was to send him to jail simply because he is black. In addition, this symbolizes the goodness within Tom Robinson. Tom testifies, “Mr. Finch, I tried. I tried to 'thout bein' ugly to her. I didn't wanta be ugly, I didn't wanta push her or nothin'…(195) This indicates Tom Robinson’s character of righteousness. He had no bad intentions towards Mayella nor he wanted to get tangled in the situation. Just because the people of Maycomb favoured white folks, Tom Robinson wasn’t able to change their minds disregarding the honest heart he has. It is despairing how an individual can be characterized negatively for committing an action although, they had no objective to do so. In conclusion, majority outruns an individual even if it is a false claim placed on it.

The symbolism used throughout the novel embraced the characters identity and their perspective on life. Maycomb being racist as it is described, the white camellia flower and mockingbird effectively address Ms.Dubose and Tom Robinson’s other side that is not being shown to the rest of the town. Symbols used to represent qualities of oneself are significant because they show the deeper meaning held by the character. To conclude, the white camellia flower and the mockingbird display a true understanding of the development of these characters.