To Kill A Mockingbird Analysis

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Recommended: Interpret to kill a mockingbird

A mockingbird is a harmless songbird that is known for mimicking the calls and sounds of other birds. Since mockingbirds don’t intentionally harm others, its behavior simply represents innocence and peace. These birds also teach humans an important life lesson—to listen first before responding. For instance, To Kill a Mockingbird, a fiction novel by Harper Lee, tells the story of three children—Scout Finch, Jem Finch, and Charles “Dill” Baker Harris—and their adventures around Maycomb County. Throughout their journey, these children experience times of unfairness where individuals were innocently accused of certain actions, tying into the symbolic meaning of the mockingbird. The novel’s title, To Kill a Mockingbird, provides significance towards not drawing conclusions immediately and not blaming individuals, like Tom Robinson and Arthur “Boo” Radley, who don’t have a voice in society. Atticus, a lawyer and the father of Scout and Jem, is portrayed as the leader of Maycomb County—the person that everyone respects. Even though Atticus use to be the deadest shot in Maycomb County, he refuses to reveal that side of him to his children. Atticus wouldn’t teach Jem and Scout how to shoot, but he instructs them to, “…shoot all the bluejays you want [with the air rifles that the children received], if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee 90). Atticus understands that mockingbirds provide no harm to humans. All they do is sing their heart out and give people pleasure, giving these species the symbol of peace. The novel's title, To Kill a Mockingbird, emphasizes on the theme of innocence, which is symbolized through mockingbirds. In addition to Atticus’s viewpoint, he believes that people should not judge a ... ... middle of paper ... ...t warmth, Atticus tells her, “Someday, maybe, Scout can thank him [Boo Radley] for covering her up…[and putting] the blanket around you” (72). Even though Arthur didn’t reveal his appearance to the kids, he discloses to Scout and Jem that he wants to help them. By helping the kids, whether it was to give gifts or help them escape from Mr. Bob Ewell, it is evident that Boo Radley is just as innocent and peaceful as a mockingbird. The title, To Kill a Mockingbird, offers insights towards not judging a book by its cover. Tom Robinson, a Negro who didn’t have much say in this case, was falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Boo Radley, on the other hand, never interacts with people from the outside world, forcing people to make assumptions about him. If one were to act like a mockingbird and listen first before responding, an understanding environment will ensue.

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