In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, the symbol of the mockingbird is shown throughout the novel. “Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in concribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us.” (Lee 119) A mockingbird, in the story, is simply used to represent the idea of innocence, “To kill a mockingbird” is used when referring to destroying innocence. In the novel, Jem, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley can all be viewed as “mockingbirds”. Jem has a strong sense of humanity. He believes that the people in the town of Maycomb are good people, he believes in the justice system, and believes that innocent people do not get convicted. The main role he plays in the story is a representation of an innocent child who believes that the world is a safe place where everyone is a good citizen. Jem …show more content…
Tom's willingness to do so highlights his good-natured and unassuming character. Tom is always helping others and not doing any harm; yet he was still treated with no respect and killed at the end of the book, ““Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men’s hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed.” (Lee) “Tom was prosecuted for a crime he did not commit, he was judged unfairly based on the color of his skin in his trial, proving him to be deprived of innocence. By the end of the book Tom recognizes that in his community racism blinds people's judgment, and there was no way for him to come out innocent no matter what he had to say. As a victim of racial injustice, Tom did not trust the corrupt, prejudiced court system and figured that he would lose his appeal. Rather than die during a public execution, Tom chose to take his fate into his own hands by attempting to