Examples Of Emblem In To Kill A Mockingbird

The Emblem of the Mockingbird

Mockingbirds are birds known for their kindness and innocence and they can learn hundreds of songs throughout their lifetime. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee writes “Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit'em’, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (119). Throughout the novel, several characters metaphorically represent mockingbirds. The characters Arthur “Boo” Radley, Tom Robinson, and Charles Baker “Dill” Harris act as symbolic mockingbirds as the novel progresses. Arthur “Boo” Radley stood out as a symbolic mockingbird due to his innocence and good deeds. Although society sees him as vicious and frightening, in reality he is very innocent and tries to help whoever he can. He

An example of this is near the end of chapter 30 when Heck Tate says that Bob Ewell fell on his knife, even though everyone knows what really happened that night (366). Boo didn’t stab Bob Ewell because he wanted to be violent, but he did it only to protect Jem and Scout. Heck Tate and Atticus wanted to protect Boo from being in the “spotlight” of the gossip and drama. Scout also believes that exposing him will be in essence killing a mockingbird. Another part of the novel that shows his innocence and kindness is when Scout thinks to herself “Neighbors bring food with death and flowers with sickness and little things in between. Boo was our neighbor. He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good-luck pennies, and our lives. But neighbors give in return. We never put back into the tree what we took out of it: we had given him nothing, and it made me sad” (373). This is a significant quote because it shows that even though Boo had never met the Finch kids nor gotten anything in return, he still kept giving them things. Scout realizes that Boo is not mean and vicious but instead is giving and generous. Another example of his good deeds and willingness to help others is in chapter 8 where Atticus says “You

Despite his color, and the racism that he faces, he is still positive and kind to everyone around him. However, because of his kind heart, he gets taken advantage of. At the end of the novel, he ends up dead due to his kindness. An example of his innocence and generosity is when Atticus said “Were you paid for your services?” and he replied with “No suh, not after she offered me a nickel the first time. I was glad to do it, Mr. Ewell didn’t seem to help her none, and neither did the chillun, I knowed she didn’t have no quarters to spare” (256). This quote shows that even though Tom didn’t get paid to do the various chores, that Mayella asked him to do, he still did it anyways. He wanted to help her out because he felt bad for her and her family. Another quote that shows his kindness and gentleness is when he said “Mr. Finch, I tried. I tried to ‘thout bein’ ugly to her. I didn’t wanta be ugly, I didn’t wanta push her or nothin’ ” (260). This proves that Tom is kind hearted and wouldn’t do anything that would hurt Mayella. He was a good and innocent man that did everything he could to help her. On the other hand, Mayella accused Tom of beating her, and taking advantage of her. This accusation in the end lead Tom to his undeserving death. Another piece of evidence that proves that he was a innocent, people pleaser is when Mr. Link Deas said “I just want the whole lot of