symbols pt.2
SYMBOLS OF TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
what it is what characters and theme/s it relates to essay argument it could support
the mockingbird: The mockingbird represents innocence and goodness, as they are creatures that bring beauty into the world through their song and do no harm. In the novel, Atticus Finch teaches his children that “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird”, emphasising the importance of protecting those who are vulnerable and innocent.
Tom Robinson: wrongly accused of assaulting Mayella Ewell, Tom is a clear example of a symbolic mockingbird. He is an innocent man destroyed by the racial prejudice of Maycomb.
Boo Radley: initially perceived as frightening by the children, Boo is revealed to be a kind-hearted, misunderstood figure who ultimately protects Scout and Jem. His isolation from society and his quiet acts of kindness reflects the mockingbird’s innocence
the radley house: represents fear and unknown and development of empathy. Scout and Jem: To the children, the Radley house is a place of mystery, fear, and superstition. It represents the unknown and the prejudices people harbor about what they don’t understand. As the novel progresses, the Radley house becomes less terrifying as the children learn more about Boo and come to understand that their fears were unfounded.
OR
The Radley house also serves as a symbol of Scout and Jem’s developing empathy. Over time, they come to realise that Boo is not the monster they imagined but a misunderstood figure who has suffered at the hands of his own family.
flowers:
represents forgiveness and courage or hope and desperation Mrs. Dubose’s Camellias: which Jem destroys in a fit of anger, symbolise the complexity of human morality. Mrs. Dubose, despite her racist views, is admired by Atticus for her bravery in fighting her morphine addiction. The camellias represent her struggle for independence and redemption, and when she leaves Jem a single camellia after her death, it serves as a lesson in forgiveness and moral strength.
Mayella’s red Geraniums are a small, beautiful patch of colour in an otherwise grim environment. They symbolise her desire for beauty, a better life, and a sense of dignity, despite her circumstances. They also highlight her loneliness and the limited opportunities available to her as a poor, uneducated white woman in the South.
atticus glasses: represents wisdom and perspective. Atticus: the glasses symbolise his intellectual and moral clarity. When he shoots the rabid dog, he removes his glasses, suggesting that his wisdom goes beyond physical sight. His glasses also reflect his role as the moral compass of Maycomb, as he helps others see the world with a clearer sense of justice.
mad dog: represents racial prejudice. Atticus: the mad dog that Atticus shoots can be seen as a symbol of the madness of racism. The dog threatens the town in a manner similar to how racial hatred poisons the community. Atticus’s willingness to confront and "shoot" the dog echoes and mirrors his fight against racial prejudice, even though it’s an insidious and dangerous force.
tree with the knothole: represents communication and connection. Scout/ Jem and Boo: the gifts Boo Radley leaves for Scout and Jem in the knothole symbolize his desire to connect with them. The tree itself stands for the possibility of friendship and understanding that transcends societal isolation and fear. When Nathan Radley seals the knothole with cement, it cuts off this communication, symbolising how society often shuts down opportunities for connection and compassion.
the courtroom: represents justice and injustice. Maycomb: the courtroom represents the promise of justice, yet in Tom Robinson’s trial, it becomes a stage for racial injustice. The way the trial unfolds—despite overwhelming evidence of Tom’s innocence—reveals how deeply ingrained racial prejudice is in the legal system of Maycomb. This symbol underscores the theme of the failure of justice in the face of racism.
miss maudie house fire: represents renewable and change. Miss Maudie: the fire that destroys Miss Maudie’s house represents both destruction and renewal. Miss Maudie, who doesn’t mourn the loss of her home, sees it as an opportunity for a new beginning, reflecting her optimistic, forward-looking attitude. It also serves as a turning point in the children’s understanding of their neighbours, as they witness Boo Radley's subtle act of kindness when he places a blanket over Scout's shoulders.
scout’s overalls represents gender role and independence. Aunt Alexender: scout’s preference for wearing overalls rather than dresses symbolises her resistance to the traditional gender roles expected of her.
Scout: Her overalls represent her independence and her desire to be seen as an individual rather than conforming to societal expectations of femininity. This symbol connects to the novel’s broader commentary on identity and personal freedom.