What Does Tom Symbolize In To Kill A Mockingbird

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In the novel to, To Kill A Mockingbird symbolism is found throughout. Harper Lee’s title To Kill A Mockingbird leaves everyone curious as to what she meant. The mockingbird is very symbolic throughout the entire book. The mockingbird represents people in oppression. It shows that through oppression the mockingbird can represent innocence and joy.
Atticus first mentions the mockingbird when Jem and Scout receive their air-rifles. Atticus would not teach them to shoot he only said, “. . . Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ’em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” (Lee 103) Scout then goes and ask Miss Maudie what Atticus meant. She agreed and said, “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy.” (Lee 103) This quote shows how the mockingbird represents joy by being pleasant to hear. It also shows that mockingbirds cause no harm …show more content…
By the citizens of Maycomb, Tom is already guilty before he is ever placed on trial. Tom Robinson was innocent of the crime for which he was charged, but due to the townspeople’s racism, he is wrongfully convicted. This shows Maycomb County’s racial prejudices. Atticus defends Tom because he feels it is the right thing to do. He knows before he even starts that he is not going to win the trial, but could not live with his conscience if he did not defend Tom. After the trial even though Tom was charged with the crime, the blacks were thankful for Atticus and how he helped them.
Harper Lee incorporated so many lessons into her book, To Kill A Mockingbird. She teaches us not to be superstitious of people and afraid of the unknown. She teaches us also to not hold racial prejudices. She does not want us killing the mockingbirds in our life before we even meet them. She teaches us these things primarily through Atticus Finch. Atticus is an example compassion, he is compassionate toward the mockingbirds in his life and teaches his kids to be
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