Symbols in To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is rich with symbolism, using various objects and concepts to represent deeper meanings and themes throughout the novel. Let's dive into some of the most significant symbols and explore their significance.
The Mockingbird
The mockingbird is arguably the most important symbol in the novel, so much so that it appears in the title.
NoteThe mockingbird represents innocence and harmlessness. It symbolizes people who are vulnerable, pure of heart, and do no harm to others.
"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."
This explanation by Miss Maudie encapsulates the symbolism perfectly. Throughout the novel, several characters can be seen as mockingbirds:
- Tom Robinson: An innocent man wrongly accused and convicted of a crime he didn't commit.
- Boo Radley: A misunderstood recluse who becomes the target of the town's gossip and fear.
- Jem and Scout: Children who lose their innocence as they witness the injustices of the adult world.
The Radley Place
The Radley house serves as a powerful symbol of mystery, fear, and the unknown.
TipThe Radley Place represents the dangers of prejudice and the fear of the unfamiliar. It shows how easily people can create monsters out of what they don't understand.
At the beginning of the novel, Scout, Jem, and Dill are terrified of the house and its occupant, Boo Radley. They create elaborate stories about him based on rumors and their own imagination. However, as the story progresses and they learn more about Boo, the house loses its menacing quality, symbolizing the children's growing maturity and understanding.
The Mad Dog
Tim Johnson, the rabid dog that appears in the street, serves as a potent symbol of the racism and prejudice that infects Maycomb.
ExampleJust as the mad dog poses a threat to the entire community and must be put down, racism is portrayed as a sickness that endangers everyone and needs to be confronted.
