Theme Of Symbolism In To Kill A Mockingbird

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By playing an active role in society, one inevitably submerges into a class-specific hierarchy that can dictate specific relationships with people, and in addition influence interactions with other social classes. Observed from relationships in Maycomb County, Alabama, in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the social hierarchy is determined not only by amount of wealth, but also by color of skin. The boundaries that divide the county aren’t very transparent either – even through the eyes of children. The very idealistic and brave character Jem discovered the social construct of Maycomb by chapter 23, and in simplified terms, he stated, "There 's the ordinary kind like us and the neighbors, there 's the kind like the Cunningham’s out in the …show more content…

5 Noted ubiquitously among such works created by Rodolfo Anaya and Harper Lee, powerful symbolism is carried out through wonderful conveyance of literary technique in each author’s respective novels. Granted both authors can employ symbolism accordingly, each author has their signature trademark in providing symbolism, and imploring the reader to search for a deeper meaning within given context. One of Harper Lee’s most powerful symbols is simply the title of her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. The title itself has little connection to the plot, but it carries a great deal of symbolic weight in the book. One may simply look past this, but the symbol lies within the mockingbird itself. The “mockingbird” comes to represent the idea of innocence. Thus, to kill a mockingbird is to destroy innocence. Throughout the book, a number of characters (Jem, Tom Robinson, Dill, Boo Radley, Mr. Raymond) can be identified as mockingbirds—innocents who have been injured or destroyed through contact with evil, part of …show more content…

In Bless Me, Ultima, the Golden Carp was regarded as one of the most complicated symbols due to the shear wisdom and moral guidance it provided. It was able to challenge Antonio’s sole Catholic beliefs in exchange for a more cultured identity. At first, Antonio detested pursuing the fish, feeling as though he would abandon God. However, Antonio learned valuable life lessons, like how although some religious traditions differ, they still provide equal life lessons. Rudolfo Anaya was able to incorporate this symbolism beautifully; he not only represented that there is more to life than blindly following a religion, but that it’s in fact taking in the cultural knowledge and life lessons from a religion that benefit the most. In conjunction with the Gold Carp, Ultima, his teacher, counselor, caretaker, and fellow soul-searcher introduces the mystery and power that nature has in the world. Antonio even mentions the competition that traditional religion has with