In the novel, author Harper Lee uses a great deal of symbolism. Symbolism means the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. Each three of the symbols will either tie with morality, justice, or ethics. The novelist uses symbols like the Mockingbird, Atticus, and Bob Ewell to understand the greater themes of the novel. The mockingbird symbolizes Boo Radley. Boo gets judged by the stories around town, but he ignores the judgment. In chapter one, Jem says “Boo was about six-and-a-half feet tall, judging from his tracks; he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch, that’s why his hands were bloodstained–if you ate an animal raw, you could never wash the blood off.
There was a long jagged scar that ran across his face; what teeth he had
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Boo is unfairly judged because of his actions. He is tied with morality and is upholding his dignity and fighting prejudice.
Unlike Boo symbolizing the mockingbird, Atticus is different. He tries to keep Tom
Robinson from being killed. He believes in justice and truth. Atticus represents justice because he defends a black man in court even though he knows he is going to lose the case. In chapter nine, “Do all Lawyers defend n-negroes, Atticus?” Atticus sighed. “I’m simply defending a Negro- his name’s Tom Robinson. -Lee pg 82” During the case, Atticus has the black citizens’ support from all over the town. Even though they support him, they have no political voice and are forced to sit in the balcony in the courthouse. He always treats people equal no matter the race or social class.
Bob Ewell symbolizes the racism in Maycomb County. He accuses Tom Robinson, a black man, of raping his daughter, Mayella Ewell. Bob Ewell explains “I seen that black nigger yonder ruttin’ [sic] on my Mayella!- Lee pg 84 chapter 17” The reason why he does not