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Symbolism in to kill mockingbird
Symbolism to kill a mockingbird
Examples of symbolism in to kill a mockingbird
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English Transcript Harper Lee and Oodgeroo Noonuccal both portray the effects of prejudice upon individuals and how they explore, learn and change from it. Harper lee thoroughly demonstrates this, through her characters, as they grow, develop and understand the world around them. Further, she uses individuals with innocence as an influence to promote change within society and Individuals that have the willingness to discover can encourage their own self growth to promote change in their communities. Oodgeroo Noonuccal implements cultural diversity to demonstrate how prejudice can isolate individuals. Composers have the capacity to pursue individual's preconceived ideas on prejudice with the the intent to make change in society. Innocence …show more content…
has the power to change society's opinions and promote change in the world. The innocent, holding little life experience, have the ability to determine the rights and wrongs of discrimination to conform society. In Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird, victims of prejudice are placed within the symbol of Scout. The negative effects of society’s prejudice ideas being forced upon Scout are evident within her prejudice opinions of Boo Radley.
Symbolism is present in “Then I saw the shadow… At first I thought it was a tree, but there was no wind, and tree trunks never walked”. This line represents how the children are frightened of Boo Radley because of prejudice. This is only brought upon them by their families and upbringing. This reinforces Scout’s negative but unfounded preconceptions of the Radley family, existing due to her innocence and inexperience of the world. Furthermore, the symbolism of a ‘Gun’, demonstrates the false external strength gained as a result of the use of the weapon, as opposed to personally gaining internal strength. This is validated by Miss Maudie’s description of Atticus as the “deadest shot in the country”; despite his proficiency in their use, Atticus’ reluctance towards guns is a culmination of his inner strength. Lee also demonstrates innocence through the novel’s setting. Her addition personification in “Maycomb… a tired old town” portrays Maycomb as unpleasant due to its inherent prejudice. Miss Gates’ depiction as hypocritical, as a result of prejudicial influence is highlighted as she discusses the Holocaust and Hitler’s regime, “Over here we don’t believe in persecuting anybody. …show more content…
Persecution comes from people who are prejudiced. Prejudice.” Here, the truncation is ironic as Miss Gates’ hypocrisy illustrates the ignorance to which prejudice is attended as the African American people in Maycomb are mistreated in a similar way to the Jews. Further personification in “Tinfoil was sticking in a knot-hole just above my eye level, winking at me in the afternoon sun” represents Boo Radley’s first subtle indication of his desire to be friends. Through this, Lee challenges the children’s discriminative ideas, ultimately initiating change to the concept of prejudice. Thus, it can be seen that Lee’s use of innocence within Scout encourages changing perspectives regarding prejudice for both the individual, and the world. An individual’s desire to discover, encourages the development of their personality.
Individual’s without life experience possess a greater urge to reveal the harsh realities of life and understand the rights and wrongs of prejudice. Harper Lee demonstrates this in To Kill a Mockingbird through Scout and her journey of self discovery and understanding her life. The environment that someone grows up and develops in highly influences the way they will think, act and their own opinions. Lee utilises the character of ‘Scout’ as a guide into her own self discovery. She leads us through her examination of society's opinions and her journey to finding her own. The symbolism of the name ‘Scout’ demonstrates her personality as adventurous and willing to discover new ideas, similar to what a scout does. Further, Lee demonstrates Scouts journey to finding her opinions by introducing her to Walter Cunningham. As he is from a poorer family than Scout, he does things differently which is strange and confronting to her. The colloquial language presented in “Theres some folks that don't eat like us… but you ain’t called on to contradict em” demonstrates Calpurnia's life lesson given to Scout offering her advice to not repudiate Walter. Scout is quick to judge anything different from her own way of life. Calpurnia insists that Walter, as someone who is different, deserves respect and in extension teaching Scout that not everyone is the same. Lee continues developing Scouts personality
through a life lesson by Atticus. “You never really understand a person … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” The indicative mood of his words creates a solid impression on Scout, even if she doesn't first agree. Atticus counsels that instead of getting angry, Scout should try standing in Miss Caroline's skin to view her side of the argument before making a move. This is Scout's first exposure to Atticus’ beliefs in understanding and respecting others, and his opinion of not judging them with the little experience you possess. Finally, Lee employs the character “Atticus” as a symbol for all individuals who do not have prejudice. He treats the whole community with dignity, respect and equality. Most members of Maycomb do not have respect for the coloured side of their community and are biased toward them. He holds a high influence over his children, Scout and Jem, applying a positive upbringing and inviting them away from holding prejudice over others. As demonstrated, the journey that Scout progresses on depicts the development of her personality. Therefore, Lee’s utilisation of Scouts personality, encouraged her own self development and built on her morals and understanding of prejudice. Cultural diversity has the ability to isolate individuals. Individuals who originate from culturally different backgrounds experience prejudice and bigotry, causing them to feel segregated from society. Oodgeroo Noonuccal's poem 'Son of Mine' explores the cultural diversity of black and white in Australian society. She reflects on the grim history within their culture and suggests for a more optimistic and diverse future. The personification place in “Puzzled and hurt by colour line”demonstrates the social differences placed between white and black. This separation is difficult for a child to understand and to realise how much it can alienate an individual. The concept of discrimination is difficult for them to grasp without the realities of life placed upon them or any influences affecting them at such a young age. Oodgeroo further implements the idea of cultural diversity when she asks the persona of her son, “What can I tell you, Son of Mine?”. The rhetorical question demonstrates the lessons that could be taught about discrimination and prejudice. It highlights the vocation parents possess over their children to implement their values and morals upon them. Additionally, The use of Rhyme softens the seriousness of racism and prejudice. The rhyme occurring in "Mankind, malign, mine, fine, entwine", creates a sense of musical lulling to a child. This is further implied at the start of the poem where the mother gazes her son as she speaks: "Your troubled eyes search mine." utilising how children gaze at the world, trying to take in and understand their surroundings as they grow. Oodgeroo continues implementing life lessons in the poem through the use of a simile within, “Your black skin as soft as velvet shine;” Oodgeroo is attempting to illuminate her son in that although they may have a different coloured skin, they are all the same. This is a lesson that can be implanted in her son's brain for the rest of his life. Through society's harsh reality, the powerful lesson tough may simply fade away as prejudice, bias and bigotry are placed upon him deriving from his surroundings. Finally, Oodgeroo uses a change in tone to implement that there's isn't just bad ideas surrounding the coloured people.”But I’ll tell you instead of brave and fine” demonstrates how she doesn't want to tell him of the bad things, but of why being different is good. It further links back to the persona of a parent having vocation over their children and their chose to teach them about right and wrong. Therefore, Oodgeroo expresses how prejudice of cultural diversity can isolate an individual, through teaching her son her morals and values. Both Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Oodgeroo Noonuccal’s Son of Mine explore the effects of prejudice on individuals and how they explore, learn and change from it. Individuals with little experience of the world can demonstrate the write and wrongs of prejudice to effectively promote change in the world. Individuals who have the ability and willingness to discover can invite their own self growth to understand prejudice and finally Cultural diversity in society can isolate individuals. Therefore, Composers have the capacity to pursue individual's preconceived ideas on prejudice with the the intent to make change in society.
To Kill a Mockingbird focuses on “Maycomb’s usual disease,” as a pivotal part of the book, but also shows that compassion and wisdom can exist in these most bleak areas. The prejudice and bigotry comes from the lack of knowledge of Maycomb, and their fear of changing what they have grown up with. Pre-conceived ideas are the main reason that Maycomb is ignorant of black people as they are afraid of what a change of those pre-conceived ideas will bring. Even so, compassion still exists, as Atticus is able to save Scout and Jem from the influence of ‘Maycomb’s usual disease.’ Wisdom is also embodied by Atticus, where his wisdom, which is not necessarily knowledge but life experience, is able to force him to do things which are right, shown in his reluctant shooting of the rabid dog.
Through the development of Scout’s relationship with Arthur Radley, Scout develops and becomes more empathetic. Atticus Finch, Scout’s father, is her most consistent role model and used by Lee as the moral compass. Atticus is a firm believer in teaching by example, and his respect of his children is such that he treats them almost as adults, emphasised in the line ‘he played with us, read with us, and treated us with courteous detachment’ pg. 6. This refusal to shelter Scout from the harsh realities of life in Maycomb allows her to learn from experience. The strong moral guidance offered by Atticus allows Scout not only to learn from experience, but also to develop her personal integrity. Atticus exemplifies his strong beliefs, as illustrated when he says ‘Shoot
Childhood is a continuous time of learning, and of seeing mistakes and using them to change your perspectives. In the book To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee illustrates how two children learn from people and their actions to respect everyone no matter what they might look like on the outside. To Kill A Mockingbird tells a story about two young kids named Scout and her older brother Jem Finch growing up in their small, racist town of Maycomb, Alabama. As the years go by they learn how their town and a lot of the people in it aren’t as perfect as they may have seemed before. When Jem and Scout’s father Atticus defends a black man in court, the town’s imperfections begin to show. A sour, little man named Bob Ewell even tries to kill Jem and Scout all because of the help Atticus gave to the black man named Tom Robinson. Throughout the novel, Harper Lee illustrates the central theme that it is wrong to judge someone by their appearance on the outside, or belittle someone because they are different.
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, is a courageous tale of leadership and gallantry. This book voices the story of a young girl, Scout, and the town of Maycomb. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird there are numerous quotes to which you should bring to your attention. By far, the most important quote describes what Boo Radley experienced all those years he was locked away in his house, “A boy trotted down the sidewalk dragging a fishing pole beside him. A man stood waiting with his hands on his hips. Summertime, and his children played in the front yard with their friend, enacting a strange drama of their own invention.…. Fall, and his children trotted to and fro around the corner, the day’s woes and triumphs on their faces. They stopped at an oak tree, delighted, puzzled, and apprehensive. Winter, and his children shivered at the front gate, silhouetted against a blazing house…. Summer, and he watched his children’s heart break. Autumn again, and Boo’s children needed him. Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough” (Lee 236-237). All those years he has watched as Scout and Jem grew up. All those years he imagined they were his own. Characterization is significant for the reason that Scout realized Boo Radley isn’t the irrational murderer, he is portrayed to be; he is pleasant and generally cares for the children.
Harper Lee introduces Scout as an insensible tomboy caught in the midst of contrite prejudicial conception. She has not yet discovered what is right and wrong due to various misconceptions that the people of Maycomb influence her with. ?Don?t say nigger, Scout. That?s common? (75). This particular quote is said by Atticus, Scout?s father, while referring to Scout?s racial ignorance towards African Americans. This quote portrays her social standing at the beginning of the novel as she tends to act ignorant by speaking with rude racial terms. ?Why reasonable people go stark raving mad when anything involving a Negro comes up, is something I don't pretend to understand? I just hope that Jem and Scout come to me for their answers instead of listening to the town. I hope they trust me enough?? (92). This quote expressed by Atticus describes Scout?s mental and emotional state near the dawning of the novel. Scout is given influential lessons through the form of words on what to think therefore she is misguided by false pretenses. These ?pretenses? may be misleading, consequently Scout is basing her beliefs about prejudice on the conceptions of others instead of what Scout truly believes. Although Scout?s ...
As a child grows, many people influence their development as a person. Some people impact more than others, and a select few really leave their mark. In Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” several characters play this role. Among them, Miss Maudie Atkinson, a woman who proves herself a strong character, prevails as the one who has the greatest impact on Scout Finch, the protagonist of this novel. As Scout matures and grows up, her views on the world around her change. Through subtle yet effective ways, Miss Maudie teaches Scout many life lessons about being humble, judging, and attitude, all of which ultimately have a great effect on the kind of person Scout develops into and her outlook on the world.
To Kill A Mockingbird tells the story of a young girl, Scout, who comes of age and eventually comprehends that not all people are open-minded, or kind. Scouts interactions with other people help to shape her and allow her to accept that not everyone has the same thoughts and opinions as her. Scout and Jem’s interactions with Atticus help the reader clearly understand that he is a responsible, courageous, and non judgmental man.
Harper Lee’s timeless novel To Kill a Mockingbird is told by Jean Louise ‘Scout’ Finch, a fiery young girl from the quiet town of Maycomb, Alabama. In defiance of the traditionally passive role of Southern women, Scout grew up as a tomboy and, like her older brother Jem, was unafraid to engage other children in physical confrontations. At the onset of the novel, Scout displayed these aggressive tendencies, fighting classmates whom she believed had wronged her or her family. However, Scout developed as a character in the first half of To Kill a Mockingbird to the extent that she was willing to walk away from fights that weren’t worth fighting. Scout’s willingness to engage in combat with other children early on in the novel was evident in the description of her treatment of Walter Cunningham after being punished for explaining his financial situation to her teacher.
Growing up in Maycomb, Southern Alabama in the 1930s was not an easy thing. Amid a town of prejudice and racism, stood a lone house where equality and respect for all gleamed like a shining star amid an empty space. The house of Atticus Finch was that shining star. Jean Louise Finch, also known as “Scout”, is given the opportunity of being raised in this house by her father, Atticus. I stole this essay from the net. As she grows, Atticus passes down his values of equality and righteousness to Scout and her brother Jeremy Atticus Finch, also known as “Jem”. In “To Kill a Mockingbird”, by Harper Lee, we see Scout learns many lessons about dealing with prejudice by observing the behavior of other characters in the story.
1) This quote shows how the townspeople symbolize the big issue/problem Maycomb has been receiving. The harsh words by townsfolk have showed the kids to stand up for their courage and be like Atticus: fighting for what’s right for the sake of Maycomb. Atticus assures that Scout understands that they must tolerate the townspeople and “go through it without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb’s usual disease. Using this quote the reader understands that Maycomb itself symbolizes the biggest issue in To Kill a Mockingbird because the town does not understand in their time that racism is cruel and should not ever be allowed no mater what. Unfortunately, the town can’t stop and really depend on Atticus to fix things though the townsfolk somehow bring up a problem without even caring. A reader can understand why Smykowski wrote in his article “the actions of the children do, indeed, symbolize various themes in the racist south.” From this quote, we can see that the things the children do symbolizes they’re attempts to change Maycomb. The kids start to realize as the novel progresses that what Mr. Ewell and other residents are the evil ones other than Tom Robinson. Boo Radley also symbolizes the fear of what
Harper Lee’s only book, To Kill a Mockingbird, is the stereotypical tale of childhood and innocence, yet it successfully incorporates mature themes, like the racism in the South at the time, to create a masterpiece of a work that has enraptured people’s minds and hearts for generations. According to esteemed novelist Wally Lamb, “It was the first time in my life that a book had sort of captured me. That was exciting; I didn’t realize that literature could do that” (111). Scout’s witty narration and brash actions make her the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for, and the events that take place in Maycomb County are small-scale versions of the dilemmas that face our world today. Mockingbird is a fantastically written novel that belongs on the shelves of classic literature that everyone should take the time to read and appreciate for its execution of style and the importance of its content.
Ultimately, the minor characters in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird are crucial in rendering the novel a masterpiece. Their individuality is refreshing yet meaningful, as they break the stereotypes that attempt to limit a prejudiced society. Scout herself is deeply influenced by the characters she meets, and the experience only increases her wisdom. Also, the symbols portrayed through minor characters speak volumes about humankind- not only of our flaws but of the promise of change and redemption. In truth, minor characters are of utmost importance in any story, because the world an author creates is only as good as the characters that populate it.
To kill a mockingbird generates a unique sense of reading. Harper Lee’s style of writing brings a different and an unideal way of reading, the context in which to kill a mocking is written with the two narrators (Jean Louise and Scout) brings fourth many perceptions of the book. This unusual style of reading can become complex, struggling to telling which narrator at that point in the book is telling the story as each have different emotions, inputs and influences. As Scout is a very bright and intelligent person for her age is was tough at times to understand who the telling the story at that time, scout or the older version of scout Jean Louise for her language was far beyond her age.
During our lives, we develop morals and values through life experiences. They can be influenced by our society and the people we surround ourselves with. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee demonstrates courage, social inequality and prejudice through the characters and events in the book. We experience life lessons through the protagonist Scout Finch as she develops her own values. This is displayed through a variety of life lessons and values throughout the novel.
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved,” (Helen Keller). Throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Scout faces her fair share of obstacles and learning experiences which build her character. Aspects of courage, perseverance, respect, humility, compassion, generosity and optimism all shape good character and Scout learns to accept these into her life. She is forced to confront difficult situations dealing with race and her community’s social hierarchy.