The novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper lee is based on a small community in Southern United States during the depression. Atticus Finch, father of Jem and Scout, teaches them that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. Three situations that fulfill Atticus’ definition of a symbol of a mockingbird are; when Atticus teaches is kids the lesson with the air riffles, the article written by Mr. Underwood about Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley’s reputation
Scout and Jem received air riffle guns from their uncle Jack, follow that their father Atticus educates them about mockingbirds. Atticus is trying to help them understand that you do not hurt the innocent, you protect them. “…I’d rather you shoot at tin cans in the backyard, but I know you’ll go after birds, shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ’em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” (Lee 119)
It’s a sin to kill a mockingbird because they do not do anything but create beautiful music for others to enjoy. By killing a mockingbird you are killing an innocent creature that tried to serve others by singing music. Tom Robinson is like a mockingbird because he did not harm anyone. Tom was a hardworking, honest, and innocent African American man. Tom helped Mayella Ewelle with her chores without asking for anything in return. The court assumes he’s guilty because he is an African American and his alleged victim is a young white female. Tom helped Mayella out of the pureness of his heart. The Ewelle’s exploited him which resulted in his death: “…Mr. Underwood simply figured it was a sin to kill cripples, by them standing, sitting, or escaping” (Lee 323). Tom Robinson was a misunderstood and he demonstrates not only innocents but strength. Tom fulfills Atticus’ definition of a mockingbird. Boo Radley is a middle aged, misunderstood man. Boo is like a mocking bird because he is an innocent man who was wrongly incarcerated by his father. This can be shown when he left gifts for Scout and Jem in a tree. Boo Radley is a shy character, and he is often misjudged. Scout begins to realize Boo’s situation and Atticus reminds her that it’s, “…sort of a sin to kill a mockingbird wouldn’t it?” (Lee ---). Imprisoning Boo is also meant by imprisoning his innocents and Boo shows that he is like a mockingbird because he never harmed anyone. Scout and Jem misjudged him and judged him by his reputation. Boo Radley is like a mockingbird because of his innocents, he fulfills Atticus’ definition of a mockingbird. A mockingbird symbolizes innocence and strength, something that is often misunderstood. All three situations; Atticus’ lesson, the article about Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley demonstrate innocence and strength. They are represented as mockingbirds because they are innocent, and misjudged.
Work Cited
Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. New York: Warner Brothers, Print., 1960
Cited: Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. New York: Warner Brothers, Print., 1960
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