Last updated on April 23rd, 2023 at 02:34 pm
In Harper Lee’s classic novel, To Kill A Mockingbird (1960), symbolism and themes play a significant role in conveying the author’s message. One of the most prominent symbols is the mockingbird, which represents innocence and beauty.
The novel’s various themes, such as justice and morality, further enrich the story and provide readers with a thought-provoking reflection on society and human nature.
Overview of Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird
Symbolism plays a significant role in conveying the novel’s deeper meanings.
One of the most prominent symbols is the mockingbird itself, which comes to represent the idea of innocence.
In the story, characters like Atticus and Miss Maudie explain to Scout and Jem that “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” because these birds do no harm to anyone or anything – they just sing and make the world a better place.
“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.”
— Harper Lee
By using the mockingbird as a symbol, the author shows how the innocent can be hurt or destroyed by evil.
For example, the mockingbird symbolizes the character of Tom Robinson, whose life is destroyed due to the unfair racism he faces.
It also represents Boo Radley and the children, as other innocents in the story.
These characters’ innocence is either threatened or destroyed by the harsh realities they encounter.
Another symbol in the novel is the use of guns, which serves as a shorthand for violence.
Guns appear throughout the story, raising questions about the necessity of violence and the danger it brings.
By incorporating these recurring symbols, the author emphasizes key themes and complexities within the narrative.
The Mockingbird as a Symbol
In Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the mockingbird holds significant symbolic meaning.
This innocent creature serves as an extended metaphor for humans who embody that same innocence and vulnerability.
Innocence and Vulnerability
Mockingbirds are small, gentle birds that do not harm anyone or anything; instead, they bring beauty into the world through their songs.
Characters like Atticus and Miss Maudie emphasize the importance of not harming mockingbirds, as doing so would be a sin.
The innocence and beauty of these birds remind us of the innocent and vulnerable characters in the novel, who face the harshness of society and its injustices.
The mockingbird’s symbolism illuminates the need to protect and preserve innocence in a world filled with prejudice and cruelty.
The Connection to Tom Robinson and Boo Radley
Two notable characters in the novel, Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, are closely connected to the symbol of the mockingbird.
Tom, a black man falsely accused of a heinous crime, and Boo, a misunderstood recluse, both embody the innocence and vulnerability of the mockingbird.
Consider the mockingbird’s representation of Tom Robinson; his life is destroyed by the very system that should protect the innocent.
Similarly, Boo Radley, who remains hidden away from society but still exhibits moments of kindness and protectiveness towards the children, is another mockingbird figure.
Their connection to the symbol demonstrates the need for compassion and understanding in a world where the innocent are often mistreated or persecuted.
Other Bird Symbols
In addition to the mockingbird, there are two other types of birds used as symbolism in “To Kill a Mockingbird” that carry significant meaning throughout the story.
They are the finches and blue jays.
The Finches
In “To Kill a Mockingbird,” finches are significant symbols representing the vulnerability and innocence of certain characters, especially the child protagonists Scout and Jem Finch.
The fact that their last name is Finch, a type of small songbird, emphasizes this connection. Finches are known for their stout bill and bright and colorful feathers.
These vibrant colors of the bird are associated with happiness and joy, making them a symbol of celebration in the book.
Like mockingbirds, finches are also songbirds that evoke peaceful and harmless imagery.
Atticus Finch, the father of Scout and Jem, embodies the moral compass of the story, and he teaches his children the importance of treating all individuals with empathy and fairness.
Just like the songbirds, the Finch family is resilient, adaptable, and survives in their challenging environment.
The finches reinforce the significance of the overarching “mockingbird” motif, which emphasizes the importance of protecting the weak and innocent.
These birds might seem like mere background details, but they are also significant in the story.
While not directly addressed in the narrative, this subtle symbolism adds depth and contributes to the novel’s message.
The Blue Jays
While the mockingbird is known for its innocence, blue jays represent the opposite.
They are aggressive “bully birds” and can be seen as a symbol of those who take advantage of the vulnerable.
“I’d rather you shot at tin cans in the back yard, 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.”
— Atticus Finch (as recounted by Scout, Chapter 10.)
Characters like Bob Ewell, Miss Stephanie, and the mob are represented by the blue jay.
However, it’s important to realize that blue jays aren’t inherently evil; they are just driven by survival instincts.
This helps emphasize the contrast between the innocence of characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley and the harsh realities of society they must endure.
The Radley House
The Radley House symbolizes mystery and fear to the children, especially Scout and Jem.
It serves as a reminder of how judgment can be distorted by fear and lack of understanding.
As they learn more about its hidden truths, they start to empathize with Boo Radley, seeing him as a victim rather than a monster.
The Radley House ends up representing the theme of not judging a book by its cover.
The Camellia Flowers
Camellia flowers serve as a symbolic element with a profound impact on the story.
These flowers, which hold a special significance in the narrative, represent understanding, patience, and the complexities of human nature.
The camellias are associated with the character of Mrs. Dubose, a sick and elderly woman known for her harsh demeanor towards the Finch children.
Despite her apparent cruelty, the camellias symbolize the redemptive qualities that can be found even in the most unsympathetic people.
There is a specific incident involving the camellias that deepens their symbolic meaning in the story.
In a moment of anger, Jem, one of the Finch children, cuts off all the camellia flowers in Mrs. Dubose’s garden.
This act of destruction leads to an important life lesson about empathy and forgiveness as the children learn about the struggles Mrs. Dubose faced and her attempt to overcome them.
Furthermore, the choice of the camellia as the symbol of these lessons is particularly significant since it is the state flower of Alabama, where the novel takes place.
The red camellia represents longevity, and the white camellia signifies faithfulness.
This connection to the setting adds another layer of depth to the symbol, emphasizing the importance of understanding and patience in the community.
The Mad Dog
The mad dog incident in Chapter 10 serves as one of the story’s key symbols.
The rabid dog, Tim, is introduced into the neighborhood, posing a significant threat to the residents.
This occurrence acts as an allegory for the dangers and infectious nature of racism in the community.
The mad dog represents the destructive and contagious nature of racism, as it infiltrates and harms communities much like a rabid animal would.
Just as the disease-ridden dog threatens the physical well-being of the people in Maycomb, racism creates an unhealthy environment that poses risks to the emotional and social well-being of its citizens.
Atticus Finch, the story’s moral compass, takes on the responsibility of shooting the mad dog, which symbolizes his role in combating racism in Maycomb.
As the town’s moral cornerstone, Atticus demonstrates courage in tackling difficult issues head-on, teaching his children valuable lessons about standing up against injustice and prejudice.
Moreover, the act of Atticus killing the mad dog sheds light on his character, revealing his hidden talents and reinforcing his commitment to justice.
His decision to keep his shooting skills hidden exemplifies his belief in not misusing power, as he only employs them when necessary for the greater good.