Tom Robinson Innocent In To Kill A Mockingbird

Why does society persecute the innocent? In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Tom Robinson was persecuted because of the color of his skin. In the closed-minded town of Maycomb, Alabama, people judged Tom and viewed him as a criminal because he is black. This racism and injustice illustrates society's cruel way of punishing and hurting the innocent. Tom Robinson is a symbol for the mockingbird because the mockingbird stands for innocence and Tom is innocent and compassionate. While the mockingbird may be just a bird, in the book it is a symbol of innocence. When Atticus gave the kids their air rifles, he told them "Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." (90). Unlike mockingbirds,

when the Ewell's accused him of rape, Tom explains that he was only trying to help Mayella with her chores during his testimony. When asked if he was paid for his services, Tom says, "No suh, not after she offered me a nickel the first time. I was glad to do it, Mr. Ewell didn't seem to help her none, neither did the chillun, and I knowed she didn't have no nickels to spare." (191). This shows kindness because he did Mayella's chores without expecting her to pay her anything. He helped her out of the goodness of his heart and was happy to help. Later in his testimony, when Tom explains that Mayella came onto him, trying to kiss hi, he is asked if he resisted her advantages. Tom answers, saying, "I tried. I tried to 'thought bein' ugly to her. I didn't wanta be ugly, I didn't wanta push her or nothin'."(195). Even in an uncomfortable situation, Tom remains chivalrous and gentle. The mockingbird symbolizes Tom Robinson because of his kindness towards

When he was falsely accused of raping Mayella Ewell, "Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed." (241). This shows the injustice and racism Tom experienced because he did not get a fair trial because the jury could not look past the fact that he was black from the start. The town assumed he was a criminal because of the color of his skin. Tom was killed while trying to escape prison. When talking about Tom's death, Atticus said, "Seventeen bullet holes in him. They didn't have to shoot him that much." (235). This shows injustice because the guards shot him an unnecessary amount of times. They didn't see him as the kindhearted person he was but instead just an escaping black prisoner. Tom Robinson is a mockingbird because of the prejudice he endured even though he was