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To Kill A Mockingbird Innocence Quotes

1012 Words5 Pages

Elijah Van Zoest
Vande Guchte
Honors English 10B
15 May 2023
To Kill A Mockingbird Essay
“Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." (Harper Lee). Harper Lee's timeless classic, "To Kill a Mockingbird," set in the 1930s during the Great Depression, explores the prejudices and racial tensions in the town of Maycomb, Alabama. This novel follows Scout Finch, a curious six-year-old girl, as she navigates her childhood in a racially divided society. Her father, Atticus Finch, a principled white lawyer, risks everything to defend Tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused of a crime. At the heart of the narrative lies the symbol of the mockingbird, it symbolizes innocence and goodness, and …show more content…

Scout Finch is the young protagonist of the story, known for her inquisitive nature and genuine innocence. As the story unfolds, Scout becomes more aware of the injustices and prejudices in her community, challenging her own beliefs and those of others. "Well, it'd be sort of like shootin' a mockingbird, wouldn't it?" (Lee, 370) This quote not only shows her innocence but also reveals her profound understanding of the symbolism associated with harming a mockingbird. Her words not only exemplify her purity of heart but also serve as a powerful reminder of the values she embodies throughout the novel. As Scout's understanding of the world expands, she encounters significant events that shape her perception. Scout witnesses the racial inequality prevalent in Maycomb through the trial of Tom Robinson and the prejudice her father, Atticus, faces for defending him, highlighting the harmful effects and discrimination. During the Halloween pageant, Scout and Jem are walking home and are attacked by an unknown assailant in a darkened area, leading to a violent confrontation. “Something Crushed the chicken wire around me.” (Lee, 351) This quote captures the moment of harm and danger that Scout experienced, symbolizing the loss of innocence and the cruel realities of the world around her. It represents the harm inflicted upon Scout's innocence and vulnerability. Through Scout Finch's character, Harper Lee underscores the vulnerability of innocence in the face of prejudice and injustice. Scout's journey from naivety to understanding highlights her role as a human mockingbird and the loss of innocence experienced throughout the

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