How Does Lee Use Symbols In To Kill A Mockingbird

Symbolism: use of symbols to express ideas by giving them meanings different from their literal definitions. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the author Harper Lee expresses many key points through the use of symbolism. Through Scout’s perspective readers learn of the symbolism found in important events such as the mad dog and his connection to the Mayella’s case. The work would not function properly without such a representation of symbolism; it allows readers to realize that Atticus’s protection from the rabid dog, was also being used to symbolize his involvement in Tom’s case against the Ewell’s lies. The innocence of a mockingbird relates to Tom for he, like the dog, had not done anything wrong, he was killed only for his appearance in the times of the Great

Although it was believed that the dog may have had rabies, readers are given the clear message that Tom Robinson was a mockingbird. This innocent black man was robbed of his life, because he had helped a woman in need when her father was nowhere to be found. Tom Robinson was a very kind man as shown by the community’s reaction to him being put on trial for the abuse of Mayella Ewell, yet some white folk continued to see past it all and base their opinions upon the color of his skin. As stated the “mad” dog wasn’t even given the benefit of the doubt, the town pushed Atticus to shoot him before he had even come close enough to be confirmed as a threat. Though very different circumstances, the mockingbird ties Tom Robinson and Tim Johnson together once again. Neither were given the slightest chance in the town of Maycomb, their appearance is all that really mattered to the people of Maycomb, it would decide if the two would live to tell another