“It’s a sin to kill a mockingbird,” Atticus Finch (page 119). Scout and Jem learn, from not only their father, Atticus, but also their neighbor, Miss Maudie Atkinson, that mockingbirds are innocent creatures that should never be harmed because all they do is mind their business and create lovely, soothing music. In the book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, many characters metaphorically represent a mockingbird, particularly Tom Robinson, Boo Radley, and Atticus Finch. This story is told from Scout, the main character, over a span of three years, in a first person point of view, intermixing with an older Scout who looks back and tells parts of the story, especially the trial, in further detail. Maycomb, Alabama, where To Kill A Mockingbird takes place, is where Scout, Jem, and their father, Atticus, reside. They spend the summers with their friend Dill, Miss Rachel’s nephew, antagonizing their reclusive neighbor, Boo Radley. Later in the story, Atticus defends a black man, Tom …show more content…
He fought for injustice and tried to bring good into the world through Tom Robinson’s case. Through this, as well, he taught Jem and Scout valuable life lessons about racial prejudice, sympathy, and understanding, in which they cherished forever. Mockingbirds can also be seen as very territorial animals that will protect their young. Atticus protects his children in all circumstances and in a way, protects Tom Robinson by defending him in the trial. He stood up for what he thought was right and did not care what others thought, similar to how a mockingbird sings their heart out for everyone to hear. Also, as a mockingbird spreads joy through their songs, Atticus spreads knowledge to his children, teaching Scout to read at a very young age, and he spreads knowledge to the entire jury, defending Tom Robinson by helping him support his case. He resembles a more modest mockingbird who has more experience in the world, in contrast to Boo Radley and Tom