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How Does Lee Show Justice In To Kill A Mockingbird

2040 Words9 Pages

Task #1- To Kill A Mockingbird There are many different relationships within To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The relationships between the different hierarchies are complicated and difficult. The classes and standings between different groups in Maycomb county are apparent, and the people embrace these standings. Harper Lee writes, “There was indeed a caste system in Maycomb, but to my mind it worked this way: the old citizens, the present generation of people who had lived side by side for years and years…” (Lee 149). Scout brings this point to light on page 22 in reference to Walter Cunningham. Scout refers to the Cunninghams as a their own group, with their own specific characteristics. Maycomb county blatantly has a social ladder. …show more content…

Both authors are successful at showing that justice, when it is especially deserved, is not guaranteed. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout sees justice and the lack of it within Maycomb county. The lack of justice is shown when Tom Robinson is convicted for raping Mayella Ewell. Although it is obvious that Robinson was incapable of hurting Mayella, he is still sent to jail. Both Scout and Jem notice the unfair conviction. In the courtroom, unfair justice is seen, but this is made up for outside the courthouse. When Bob Ewell is killed, some justice is served. There is also a mixed amount of justice served in Bless Me, Ultima. When Lupito is killed for shooting the sheriff, appropriate justice was given. Also, justice is served after the killing of Ultima’s owl by Tenorio. Vengeance is taken by Uncle Pedro when he shoots Tenorio. By killing Tenorio, Tenorio received the punishment he …show more content…

In both novels, the symbol of a mockingbird and the owl, represent something. Lee’s use of symbolism, although similar to Anaya’s is much different. Lee’s symbolism with the mockingbird is much more abstract and the mockingbird is not used in a literal way. Lee writes, “‘ But remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird… I asked Miss Maudie about it. ‘Your father’s right,’ she said. ‘Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee 103). Lee uses the mockingbird as a lesson, and it is compared to situations that occur in Maycomb county. The killing of the mockingbird is a symbol of the loss of innocence of characters such as Jem and Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson also looses his innocence literally and figuratively. After he was shot, his death was compared to “the senseless slaughter of songbirds by hunters and children” (Lee 275). This shows how the mockingbird is a prevalent symbol in To Kill A

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To kill a mockingbird is to destroy innocence. Mockingbirds do not cause harm or trouble; in fact their only purpose is to convince others with beautiful music. Tom Robinson’s death can easily be compared to that of a mockingbird; it did no good but also prevented no evil. Mr. Underwood chooses to write an article that basically every citizen of Maycomb can understand, and this proves to the reader the obvious connection between Tom Robinson and the symbol of a mockingbird. Mr. Underwood chooses to ignore the prominent racial barrier that separated Tom Robinson from justice, and chooses to focus on his disability instead.

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Lee uses the mockingbird as a symbol of evoking empathy in the novel. She writes, “I’d rather you shoot a tin can in the backyard, but I know you’ll go after the birds. Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit them, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee119). Atticus is explaining to Scout to not kill the mockingbird because it’s a sin. Lee evokes empathy by using the mockingbird to symbolize innocence.

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How Does Maudie Show Innocence In To Kill A Mockingbird

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In Harper Lee’s book, To Kill A Mockingbird, Lee personifies the mockingbirds by saying that they have done no harm and that they are not pests (90). Atticus explains to the children after they get their airguns that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird (90). Miss Maudie further explains that all they do is sing beautifully and live peacefully (90). Harper Lee uses the mockingbird to represent innocence and goodness in the people of Maycomb which makes the trial seem even worse than it is.

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After Atticus gives Jem and Scout their air rifles, he tells them they can shoot tin cans and bluejays, but not mockingbirds. “” … they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us … it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird,”” (Lee 119).The mockingbird is supposed to symbolize Boo Radley and Tom Robinson. Both characters have been wronged for no reason. Tom and Boo just mind their own business, while the world bothers them. Later in the story, Calpurnia and the children have discovered a rabid dog, Tim Johnson, running about.

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In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the Mockingbird is the main symbol in the story representing how the loss of innocence influences Scout Finch and the society she sees. With the story, To Kill a Mockingbird is to destroy innocence. This shows how evil and the realization of the truth can truly show society the cruel nature of what they do. Without this realization society will become blind of their actions and negligent.

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The mockingbird in To Kill A Mockingbird is symbolic of innocence. Early in the novel, Atticus, the father tells the children Scout and Jem that it is a "sin to kill a mockingbird". Later Scout asks Miss Maudie what he meant by that because she has never heard her father say anything was a sin. Miss Maudie explains his reasoning by saying that all mockingbirds do is provide beautiful music. They do not harm anyone, they don't bother anyone, and they "sing their hearts out for us."

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“Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a Mockingbird.” This quote explains how Mockingbirds are the most important symbol in this novel because without them there would be no good in the world. Harper Lee describes Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley as Mockingbirds in To Kill a Mockingbird. There are many occurrences in the novel where these three characters portray this symbol. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley are all metaphorically portrayed as mockingbirds because, Atticus is always the bigger person, Tom provides pleasure to people he encounters, and Boo looks out for the people of Maycomb.

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Symbolism is used by many authors to convey a specific message that carries a deep meaning. In Harper lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the primary symbol is the Mockingbird. There are numerous references to the mockingbird in the novel, which can be seen through some of the characters. The allusion of the mockingbird is used to represent the idea of innocence.

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In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the mockingbird is a metaphor for Tom Robinson. While mockingbirds are discussed in the novel as literal birds that harmlessly sing and entertain, Lee clearly uses the mockingbird to symbolize Tom Robinson. One reason that supports this idea is a Robinson is a innocent man who tried to help someone but then was convicted of rape. Another reason that supports the metaphor is Tom, the innocent songbird, was put on trial for his life and was convicted guilty. This inhuman action of murdering an innocent and harmless man who wanted to help is like the killing of a harmless songbird.both are innocent, and both murders are wrong.

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1915 Words | 8 Pages

The Symbol of Killing a Mockingbird The book To Kill A Mockingbird written by Harper Lee, Shows many examples throughout the characters of the book that symbolize Mockingbirds and how. Tom Robinson, one of the symbols of a mockingbird, was a black man who was falsely accused of raping a young girl. Even though the defending evidence was much more factual than the evidence against him he was found guilty and shot 17 times. Another symbol of a Mockingbird is the character Arthur “Boo” Radley who was isolated in his house for most of his this but is still judged by the people of Maycomb.

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