To Kill A Mockingbird Symbolism

Symbolism of The Mockingbird

The Mockingbird in the novel represents innocence which has been injured or destroyed through contact with evil. According to Atticus and Maudie, Mocking birds simply sing for all to enjoy. Thus, to kill a mockingbird is to destroy innocence. Throughout the book, a number of characters can be identified as mockingbirds such as Jem, Scout, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley. They do not do anything in order to harm anyone, they only want to help.

Tom Robinson- Was kind, decent and hard-working; he also helps Mayella to "bust up a chiffarobe" for fire wood.

Children (Jem, and Scout) – are naive and playful. They also try and help Boo Radley and Atticus.

Boo Radley – was gentle and caring, he also saves the kids when they were attacked by Bob Ewells.

The mockingbird in Scout and Jem is killed as they grow up and see the hatred in the world. Boo Radley is the only one who stays innocent throughout the book. Scout statement at the end of the novel exposes the fact that telling the whole town that Boo saved them would be like killing a mockingbird.

The Cemented Hole In The Tree

Atticus Pocket Watch

The hole in the tree is Boo’s way of communicating with Jem and Scout. When Boo’s brother, Nathan, finds out about the hole in the tree, he cemented it and then lied about the tree being sick. The hole can be seen as the heart of the tree; therefore, it symbolizes the Radley family’s cold-hearted nature.

Atticus had a pocket watch that he gave to Jem. Atticus wants to pass his good values to his children. The pocket watch represents the passing of family values to the next generation.

Columns on Buildings

The Gun

The Fire

The columns on the courthouse were the only thing that remained from the old courthouse that was burned down in 1856. These columns symbolize the days when black people were slaves. The use of the columns in the new courthouse symbolizes that Maycomb holds on to the past.

People judge the townspeople because of their unfairness in the Robinson trial, but when the fire occurs, they demonstrate their protection between each other and the courage in facing danger. In conclusion, the fire symbolizes the closeness an d courage of the community.

This symbol represents the misuse of authority. Atticus didn't want to shoot the Mad Dog. Another example of this misuse is when the judge and jury vote against Tom Robinson during the case.

The Treehouse

It symbolizes innocence and safety because to Scout and Jem is a hideout from the bad world they live in.

The Mad Dog

The Mad Dog is a symbol of the society itself. It represent the willingness of people to judge others for their race.

The Camellias

The Camellias are a representation of understanding. It demonstrates a way of understanding that things aren't always what they seem and learning to avoid judging others. This is what he learns when he attacks the flowers and then uderstands what Mrs. Dubose was going through.

Milene Broche

Rachel Ontko

Juliana Hurtado

To Kill A Mockingbird Symbolism