The Symbol of the Mockingbird in “To Kill a Mockingbird”

 

The Symbol of the Mockingbird in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
In Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the symbol of the mockingbird holds significant meaning throughout the story. The mockingbird represents innocence, purity, and the unjust persecution of the innocent. This symbol contributes to the overall themes of prejudice, empathy, and the loss of innocence.

One prominent example of the mockingbird symbol is embodied by Tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman. Tom is portrayed as a kind and harmless individual who helps Mayella Ewell, the alleged victim, out of genuine kindness. Atticus Finch, the protagonist’s father and a moral compass in the novel, describes Tom as a mockingbird, saying, “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee 90).

This analogy suggests that Tom, like the mockingbird, is an innocent creature who brings joy and goodness to others. The injustice of his trial and subsequent conviction reflects the senseless persecution of those who have done no wrong. The mockingbird symbolizes the destruction of innocence and the tragic consequences of prejudice.

Another example of the mockingbird symbol is Boo Radley, a reclusive neighbor who is misunderstood by the community. Boo is like a mockingbird in that he poses no harm to anyone but is feared and scapegoated due to his isolation. Scout, the novel’s narrator, realizes this when she says, “Boo was our neighbor. He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good-luck pennies, and our lives” (Lee 373). Boo’s act of kindness towards Scout and her brother Jem demonstrates his innocence and purity.

The mockingbird symbol also connects to the broader themes of prejudice and empathy in the novel. Atticus teaches his children to have empathy for others and to understand their perspectives. He advises Scout, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Lee 30). This message promotes understanding and compassion rather than judgment based on appearances or preconceived notions.

In conclusion, the symbol of the mockingbird in “To Kill a Mockingbird” represents innocence, purity, and the unjust persecution of the innocent. Through characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, the novel explores themes of prejudice, empathy, and the loss of innocence. The mockingbird serves as a poignant reminder of the need for empathy and understanding in an unjust world. As Atticus states, it is a sin to destroy something so innocent and beautiful.