What is the Symbolic Meaning of Mockingbirds?

The book To Kill a Mockingbird was written by Harper Lee in the year 1960. When people have no laws to follow, mass corruption and chaos run wild. In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, the law is a major theme in the book. It shows how lawlessness can determine the life and future of the felons. Muddle and distress are what is created when you have no laws. Therefore, laws are established to keep peace and structure. Laws are created for society to maintain order, keeping communities safe and orderly.

The trial of Tom Robinson shows us how law establishes order to the people. Tom was charged with rape, in court he was prosecuted for the laws that he had been accused of breaking. Atticus claims, There is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller that institution gentleman is a court. pg 274. Atticus, states that legally all men are equal in the court of law, and when proven guilty they’ll serve the sentence that has been handed to them. This shows that law is the deciding factor, not the people. It is important people understand they need to follow the law, because it determines if a person will spend the rest of their life, in peace or in misery.

Law establishes safety in society, keeping the citizen’s rights protected. In the town of Maycomb, the law is keeping the people civil. Sheriff Heck Tate is the one who keeps the people safe from the wrongdoers. Another theme in the book To Kill a Mockingbird is the symbolism of the mockingbirds. In the story, the Mockingbird represents the characters that show kindness without anyone paying attention. This is because Miss Maudie explains it to the kids and says that mockingbirds don’t do anything but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it is a sin to kill a Mockingbird. (Lee 103) Characters that do this are Tom Robinson, Boo (Arthur) Radley and Mr. Dolphus Raymond. Tom Robinson was a mockingbird because he was accused of rape when there was clear evidence he was not the rapist. Even though there was clear evidence that Tom was innocent he was pleaded guilty because he was African American. Tom never hurt anyone, he even helped Mayella, and to have pity on her. Instead, he was blamed for a crime he did not even commit. Boo Radley was a mockingbird because everyone thought he was like a ghost they thought that because he never comes out of his house. But at the end of the book, he comes out and stabs Mr.Ewell for trying to kill Atticus’s children. Mr. Dolphus Raymond was a mockingbird because he is a wealthy white man who does not like racism matter of fact he even married an African American women. Throughout the story theses, themes showed the true colors of the characters whether it was good or bad.

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