Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, is a classic novel that has captivated readers since its publication in 1960. The novel tells the story of Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in a small Southern town in the 1930s, and her experiences with racism, bigotry, and injustice. One of the most significant symbols in the novel is the mockingbird, a harmless bird that is symbolic of innocence, purity, and goodness. In this article, we will explore the symbolic significance of the mockingbird in To Kill a Mockingbird.

First and foremost, the mockingbird represents innocence and purity. Throughout the novel, the mockingbird is repeatedly presented as a gentle creature that does no harm to anyone. In Chapter 10, Atticus Finch tells his children, Scout and Jem, that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird because they are innocent creatures that do not harm anyone. He tells them, “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy…they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

The symbolic meaning of the mockingbird is further emphasized through the character of Tom Robinson, who is ultimately found guilty of a crime he did not commit because of his race. Tom is innocent, just like the mockingbird, and his wrongful conviction symbolizes the harm that can be done to innocent people in a society that values prejudice over justice.

Additionally, the mockingbird is also a symbol of goodness and kindness. In the novel, several characters embody the qualities of the mockingbird, including Boo Radley and Miss Maudie Atkinson. Boo Radley, a reclusive neighbor of the Finch family, is rumored to be a dangerous and violent person, but he is ultimately revealed to be a kind and generous person who has been misunderstood by the community. Similarly, Miss Maudie, a neighbor of the Finch family, is a kind-hearted woman who always has kind words and baked goods for Scout and Jem.

The symbolic significance of the mockingbird is also highlighted through the character of Atticus Finch, who is portrayed as a moral and ethical man who stands up for what is right, even in the face of extreme opposition. Atticus is a lawyer who defends Tom Robinson in court, knowing that he is unlikely to win the case because of the deeply ingrained racism in the community. Atticus’s defense of Tom Robinson is a clear representation of his belief in justice and his commitment to doing what is morally right, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

In conclusion, the mockingbird is a symbolic representation of innocence, goodness, and kindness in To Kill a Mockingbird. The use of this symbol reinforces the novel’s themes of prejudice, justice, and morality, and serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular. The mockingbird’s innocence and purity also give the novel an air of hopefulness, suggesting that even in a society plagued by racism and bigotry, there are still individuals who embody the qualities of the mockingbird and strive to make the world a kinder and more just place.