Innocence and Purity in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee One can do as many good deeds as they wish to make another feel good, but these deeds will all disappear if one harms others as well. Symbolism is a powerful method to emphasize a character and is used in Harper Lee’s To kill a Mockingbird using Mockingbirds as a symbol of innocence and purity. A Mocking bird symbolises one who has no will to harm but help, applies to a few characters such as Tom Robinson, Arthur Radley, and Jean Louise “Scout” Finch. One of the first Mockingbirds that was introduced was Tom Robinson because he was accused for taking advantage of Mayella although he did nothing besides the work he was asked to do. As Atticus inquires Tom Robinson about the case, Tom was asked if he tried to resist Mayella and Tom replied “Mr.Finch, I tried. I tried to ‘thout bein’ ugly to her … I didnt wanta push her or nothin” (Lee 195). …show more content…
Boo Served time for his mistakes and he owned up to it and took the consequence. As Jem and Scout discuss what was going on in Jem’s head, they walk past their tree and spot grey twine in the knot hole and Scout says, “Don’t take it Jem … This is somebody’s hidin’ place” (Lee 11). Although the kids do not know the gifts are from Boo, Boo does this without the need to be recognized to help and bring joy to Jem and Scout. Additionally, Boo risks his life to save Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell attempting to murder both Jem and Scout. As Scout explains what happened in the forest, Tate asks Scout who brought Jem to the house Scout replies “Why there he is, Mr.Tate, he can tell you his name” (Lee 270). The man turned out to be Arthur “Boo” Radley and as everyone is either sleeping or listening to the radio Boo stays alert and watches out for others saving Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell. Boo a Mockingbird watching out for others and spreading joy through gifts as well as other tokens of