What Does Tom Robinson Symbolize In To Kill A Mockingbird

In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, a Mockingbird is used to symbolize other characters in the novel. While there are connections to a few characters in the novel, Tom Robinson stands out by his traits. Additionally his circumstances help to draw even more connections to the mockingbird. This idea may have another meaning beyond just a bird. The mockingbird’s presence in the story portrays similar traits as Tom Robinson, communicating how your treatment of others around you should always be thoughtful and considerate, as anything less could be sinful.

In the novel, Jem and Scout are taught that it is sinful to kill a mockingbird by both Miss Maudie and Atticus. “I would rather you shoot at tin cans in the backyard, but I know

The Ewells had Tom tried and convicted, in spite of the fact that he was innocent. “I peeked at Jem: his hands were white from gripping the balcony rail, and his shoulders jerked as if each ‘guilty’ was a separate stab between them” (282). Tom went on to receive a death penalty for the crime of raping Mayella Ewell, though he is really innocent. He was undeserving of this punishment. “‘You know what we want,’ another man said. ‘Get aside the door, Mr. Finch’”(202). A mob of men showed up to Tom’s jailhouse, wanting to have him killed without a trial because they were certain that he was guilty, due to the fact that he was black. Tom still had done nothing wrong, and did not deserve to be killed. There were even more instances where Tom was unnecessarily harmed in the novel that further strengthen this

Tom was always helping people whenever he could, and did not even worry about his crippled arm as long as he could help someone. “‘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, and neither did the chillun, and I knowed she didn't have no nickels to spare’”(256) Tom always did what he could to help Mayella even though she never paid him. All Tom wanted to do was help Mayella out. “‘I just want the whole lot of you to know one thing right now. That boy’s worked for me eight years an’ I ain’t had a spec o’trouble outa him. Not a spec.’”(261) It is known by the people who actually know Tom, that his heart is for others. He can work hard and diligently like one should. Link Deas in this instance knew that Tom was a good man, and literally stood up for him. Tom’s character was revealed by the way he treated others and always tried to benefit