What Does Atticus Symbolize In To Kill A Mockingbird

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The book has shown many kinds of figurate language in the novel to express many different types of issues or people. The main kind would be symbolism as it is used to explore the issues and main problems going on in the book. Harper Lee uses symbolism to express the issues of racism in the novel. In the story it says, “Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit’em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Smykowski pg. 2) This quote shows how the mockingbird symbolizes Tom Robinson because just like Tom, mockingbirds are innocent and would hurt anyone. Based on information on mockingbirds, they tend to sing beautiful “songs” and don’t cause harm in any way. Atticus represents a hero in Maycomb to pursue the end of racism. …show more content…

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

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