I am reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The book is very heavily about racism and innocence. In this journal I will be evaluating on how Boo Radley and Tom Robinson are represented by the symbol of the mockingbird.
In the novel, there are two people who are obviously symbolized by the mockingbird. The first man that is symbolized is Tom Robinson. Just like a mockingbird, Tom Robinson is innocent but had everyone trying to shoot him down. Scout thinks, “Jem said Atticus was trying to show the jury that Tom had nothing to hide”(Lee 255). Tom, like the mockingbird, is an innocent creature who just happens to be targeted. From reading the quote, I gather that Tom was a very open and honest man who in all honesty did no wrong. Not only was Tom innocent, but also he was only trying to be of help. As a
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Tom, recalls “She said, ‘I reckon I’ll hafta give you a nickel, won’t I.’ an’ I said, ‘No ma’am, there ain’t no charge’”(Lee 255). From this quote, I can conclude that Tom was only trying to help in this situation. Tom was simply doing good by reaching out his hand and helping Mayella for free, just like a mockingbird makes beautiful music for free. Furthermore, Tom kept his head down and tried to stay out of trouble. Scout believes, “…he would not have dared strike a white woman under any circumstances and expect to live long, so he took the first opportunity to run-a sure sign of guilt”(Lee 260-261). From this excerpt, I can understand that Tom was trying to stay away from trouble, but instead it got him into more. The way this relates to the mockingbird symbol is, mockingbirds do not ruin anybody's garden or nest in corn cribs they just make beautiful music. Tom was not trying to hurt anyone; instead, he was helping his neighbor out. In the novel, Boo Radley is also symbolized as the mockingbird. Like a mockingbird, Boo Radley never hurt anyone,
The ‘mockingbird’ of the story symbolizes several different types of innocence through different characters. One of the ‘mockingbird’ innocence types is displayed by Tom Robinson. During the closing statements in the courtroom (232), Atticus states that “the defendant is not guilty, but someone in this courtroom is.” The quote shows that Tom’s ‘mockingbird’ innocence is the innocence of not being guilty.
Who is a symbol of a Mockingbird and what does a Mockingbird symbolize? Tom Robinson from Harper Lee's novel To Kill A MockingBird symbolizes a Mockingbird. The bird represents innocents and it does no harm to others. Mr. Robinson symbolized the Mockingbird because he was fated to death even when he was innocent. Also, Tom is disabled and is unable to use his left hand and arm.
“We will never have true civilization until we have learned to recognize the rights of others.” said Will Rogers. People will not understand how people would feel if it were them being the ones that were separated just because of the color of their skin, You’re looked at differently Like you’re not good enough to be treated as a human. Never think that you’re not good enough to have your rights. No matter what race you are or beliefs you have you are human, the same as everyone else. Two kids, Jem and Scout experience the true hat and cruelty of the world.
When Atticus first takes the case, he was judged harshly and insulted with such cruelty, Scout heard what people said and she herself, failing to understand, began to judge her father as well. Atticus, realizing that she was just a child and didn’t know what she was talking about, taught her one of the most important lessons in life. Not to judge someone without “walking in their shoes.” (Lee page number). Despite Atticus’ effort, Tom is still unfortunately falsely accused of raping Mayella Ewell.
He was giving of himself help. He was in no way harming anyone. Then when Bob Ewell came home and found Tom Robinson, he set out to ruin his life. Tom was innocently helping Mayella when Bob Ewell accused him of raping his daughter. The white people said Tom was guilty, killing Tom with their conviction before he even had a fair trial Tom’s is seen by very few of the characters in the book.
Throughout the novel of To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, the mockingbird theme primarily denotes innocence. One of the first symbols of a mockingbird that is seen in the novel is the character Dolphus Raymond. Furthermore, the whole Tom Robinson case also has a clear representation of the guiltless theme. Lastly, as started to be noticed by other characters in the novel, Boo Radley is a mockingbird.
Additionally, Tom Robinson is a Mockingbird in the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Harper Lee displays Tom as a faithful man that strives to aid others. One way Tom demonstrates this need to do good, is when he assists Mayella Ewell in demolishing a dresser, "... she asked me to come inside the fence and bust up a chiffarobe for her "( ). Another key point of Tom's kindness, he never said anything but the truth while on trial.
Yet he saved Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell. Now some could argue that Boo is an example for a mockingbird because he saved Jem and could have gone to trial for Bob’s murder even though he was protecting Jem. There would have been bad rumors with Boo, but Tom is the best example of a Mockingbird symbol based on evidence in the
Three specific characters show or represent a mockingbird in the story. The kids don’t really understand also why a lot of people are mean or mad at the three characters that represent a mockingbird. In the novel, “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, the three characters that represent a mockingbird are Boo Radley, Tom Robinson, and Atticus Finch. Boo Radley is the first person to represent a mockingbird.
I was glad to do it, Mr. Ewell didn’t seem to help her much” (Lee 191). 2. Interpretation: This situation in the book shows that Tom was an innocent mockingbird because he never harmed anyone; he just helped others
Because the mockingbird is a symbol of innocence it is symbolic of the characters of Boo Radley, and Tom Robinson. Both are misunderstood and judged by the townspeople without really knowing them. Tom Robinson is killed violently due to being put in prison because
To Kill A Mockingbird You never really understand a person until you consider things from their point of view - Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. My topics were how is empathy demonstrated or learned by Atticus, How is Empathy demonstrated by Scout and How is empathy demonstrated or learned by Jem. How is empathy shown throughout the characters among the storyline? Atticus believes that not only black people but everyone deserves a fair go whether it's a court case or not.
In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the mockingbird is a metaphor for Tom Robinson. While mockingbirds are discussed in the novel as literal birds that harmlessly sing and entertain, Lee clearly uses the mockingbird to symbolize Tom Robinson. One reason that supports this idea is a Robinson is a innocent man who tried to help someone but then was convicted of rape. Another reason that supports the metaphor is Tom, the innocent songbird, was put on trial for his life and was convicted guilty. This inhuman action of murdering an innocent and harmless man who wanted to help is like the killing of a harmless songbird.both are innocent, and both murders are wrong.
For instance, when Jem and Atticus were on private grounds Atticus tells Jem about mockingbirds by saying ,” I’d rather you shot at tin cans in the backyard, but I know you’ll go after the birds. Shoot all the Bluejays you want , if you can hit'em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird”(Lee 90). Atticus is showing that shooting birds are fine but mockingbirds who do nothing should never be shot because of their innocence. Using symbolism, the mockingbird can represent Tom Robinson and his innocence. Tom Robinson was innocent but they killed him when they called him guilty in his court case.
He was trying to help out Mayella Ewell by gathering firewood and chopping dressers because he felt sorry for her, but was accused of rape because of his color. On page 87, Atticus said that “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.” He was trying to help those who are innocent and in need, and even though he knew that he was going to lose the case, he wanted to try. Atticus hoped to better the lives of the mockingbird-like African-Americans in the South, so he attempted to help an innocent and helpless Tom to the best of his ability. Also, Tom’s crippled left arm is proof that he did not attack Mayella, however, he is accused because of his color.