To Kill A Mockingbird Research Paper

Mockingbirds are often described as some of the most peaceful birds in existence. Frequently, they are referred to as the embodiment of innocence. Or at least that is how they are described in To Kill A Mockingbird. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, we read the story of a young girl named Jean Louise, referred to as Scout, as she spends her childhood in the southern town of Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression. The novel manages to also shine a light on two side characters through Scout’s words, who are known as Tom Robinson and Arthur Radley. Now what can be found interesting is how as the story progresses it is revealed how these two characters were mistreated by the townspeople. How they were wrongfully accused of

Innocent like the mockingbirds. Mockingbirds in the novel represent purity and innocence, and throughout the story, they are used to symbolize the lives and tragedies of Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley. Starting off with analyzing what the mockingbird symbolizes in Harper Lee’s novel. The mockingbird is first brought up when Atticus Finch, Scout’s father, gives Jem and Scout a pair of air rifles. He warns them, “I’d rather you shot at tin cans in the backyard, but I know you’ll go after birds. Shoot all the bluejays you want if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird”(119). Pushing the fact that this phrase connects to the title of the novel aside, the mockingbird can be seen as unique compared to other birds. Atticus finds no issue in shooting a bluejay, yet expresses how it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. It is also important to consider the word “sin”. A word which is defined as an atrocious act committed against divine law. In other words, Atticus compares the killing of a mockingbird to a severe and punishable crime. This idea also reflects the case of Robinson and Radley. However, it is important to explore Atticus's reasoning regarding the

But instead, they do nothing “but sing their heart out for us”(119). In other words, mockingbirds themselves are free from sin. These birds have done nothing wrong, nor have they ever inflicted any harm in any way on anyone, but instead, they give us a pleasant and soothing tune. From this information, we can get a glimpse of Harper Lee’s vision of the mockingbird. That it is a sin, a crime, to kill a mockingbird, as they are innocent of any wrongdoing. This ties back to the idea that the pure birds represent innocence. Which hints, or even foreshadows, who can be described as a mockingbird? Such understanding of the symbolism behind the mockingbird can now be applied to characters. Characters such as Tom Robinson. An African American male has been wrongfully convicted of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman. While not directly stated, it is implied that Robinson is innocent. As Atticus, Scout’s father and defendant of Robinson, points out there is no way Robinson could have raped or beaten Mayalla