Theme Of Symbolism In To Kill A Mockingbird - 791 Words

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a multi-faceted novel which explores the principles and morals of people in the South during the 1930s. Mockingbirds are symbolic of the people that society abuse. Lee narrates the events of the novel using Scout’s voice and uses this technique to add emotional context and develop themes. Themes of racial and classist prejudice are developed by Lee to challenge the reader. These techniques are all powerful ways to alter the views of the reader. Mockingbirds are a powerful means used by Lee to convey the deep-rooted prejudice entrenched in the fictional town of Maycomb. The title of the novel is symbolic of Tom Robinson and Boo Radley. Lee writes that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. However, one†¦show more content†¦Jem’s entire perspective of the world is thrown into chaos so he retreats into a state of disillusionment. However, Scout, maintains her faith in humanity. Atticus elaborates by saying as you grow older; you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life. Lee uses this scene to show the reader that racism is learnt. Scout gradually emerging from her innocence to the realization that people have different outlooks on the world and that these often include prejudice and hate which have been obtained by harsh experiences. Lee intends to show the reader that innocence is precious and once experience marrs, you cannot return to innocence. When Scout meets Dolphus Raymond, she learns not to trust the stereotypes that society casts on people because you never really know a person until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Scout’s narration showcases her struggle with the realization that not everyone values integrity and morals. Lee develops the theme of prejudice throughout To Kill a Mockingbird. Some forms of prejudice are not recognized by the young narrator, but the people of Maycomb are the source of racist and classist prejudice. The most obvious form of prejudice is racism. This close-minded view of certain ethnic groups is displayed when the jury declares Tom Robinson guilty when clear evidence had been presented proving his innocence. The stark outcome of injustice shows the readers thatShow MoreRelatedWhy Is Innocence Becomes Experience?1225 Words   |  5 PagesIn To Kill A Mockingbird there are several reason why innocence becomes experience. Phys.com stated â€Å"Between ages 5 and 11, the researchers found, children become aware that many people believe stereotypes, including stereotypes about academic ability. When children become aware of these types of bias about their own racial or ethnic group, it can affect how they respond to everyday situations.† This shows that Scout and Jem ar e in a time of their lives when racism will take effect. Not only becauseRead More Racism in Literature Essay1144 Words   |  5 Pagesa difference and change societies belief. Abel Meeropol and Harper Lee had that goal in common, when writing â€Å"Strange Fruit†, a poem about lynching, and To Kill a Mockingbird, a novel about a persecuting southern to. Both the contrast made and the word choice are effective parts of the poem. Symbolism and satire are also big parts. The theme of racism is also important, which is supported by the title and the author’s tone. To begin, the contrast within the poem, and the word choice were all veryRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Two Birds One Stone By Harper Lee900 Words   |  4 Pages9 March 2016 Two Birds One Stone â€Å"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it† (Lee 30). To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a very vigorous story about the racial discrimination that was uncontrollable in 1930’s Alabama. The small town of Maycomb is segregated into two categories: white and black. They each have their own separate neighborhoods and churches. Rarely is such racism binded withRead MoreThe Sin in Ideology1395 Words   |  6 Pagesit’s a sin to kill a mockingbird†(90). Atticus Finch, a guide mentor of the novel, explains this to his children after they are gifted with air rifles for Christmas. Notably, the title of this American classic, To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, is taken from a seemingly insignificant excerpt. However, if read carefully, the reader begins to understand that this is just one other example out of a plethora of symbolism. Set in a Dep ression-era Southern town, Lee features various themes, though theRead MoreKill A Mockingbird, By Harper Lee1197 Words   |  5 Pagespossessions, such as crops, houses, and land, and money was awfully limited. These conflicts construct Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mocking Bird. In To Kill a Mocking Bird, Lee establishes the concurrence of good and evil, meaning whether people are naturally good or naturally evil. Lee uses symbolism, characterization, and plot to portray the instinctive of good and evil. To Kill a Mocking Bird, a novel by Harper Lee takes place during the 1930s in the Southern United States. The protagonist, ScoutRead MoreSymbolism, Tone and Mood757 Words   |  4 PagesSymbolism, Tone and Mood: An Overview and Review What is a symbol? †¢ A  symbol is  an  ordinary  object,  event,  person,   animal,  or  color  to  which  we  have  attached  a  special   meaning  and  significance. †¢ So,  symbolism is  simply  the  act  of  attaching  inner meaning  to  outward  things. So what is Literary Symbolism? †¢ When  the  author  uses  an  object  or  reference  to  add  deeper   meaning  to  a  story.   †¢ Can  be  subtle  or  obvious,  used  sparingly  or  heavy† handedly.   †¢ An  author  may  repeatedly  use  the  same  object  to  convey  Read More Symbolic Mockingbirds Essay940 Words   |  4 PagesSymbolic Mockingbirds Symbolism is used extensively in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The theme of prejudice in the novel can be best perceived through the symbol of the mockingbird. Atticus advised his children that if they went hunting for birds to shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hitem, but remember its a sin to kill a mockingbird (96). Miss Maudie explains this further by saying that mockingbirds dont do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They dont eat up peoplesRead MoreAnalysis Of Harper Lee s Kill A Mockingbird 1491 Words   |  6 PagesHarper Lee’s ​ To Kill a Mockingbird ​ is a critically acclaimed, Pulitzer Prize winning novel that instantly attained its position as one of the greatest literary classics (Editors).The story of Scout Finch’s childhood has become one of the most notable narratives that addresses controversial issues present in the early 20th century. Lee’s novel depicts themes of race, justice, and innocence throughout the novel. Although ​ To Kill a Mockingbird​ is regarded as a literary masterpiece in AmericanRead MoreEssay On The Book Of Job And To Kill A Mockingbird796 Words   |  4 Pagesorder to express multiple messages or themes in order to give the audience life lessons which can help them later on in life when they are faced with dilemmas. Furthermore many books express common themes but with different plots, characters, and conflicts. For example in The Book of Job, the author utilizes symbolism and invective language to reveal how anyone can become miserable after a tragedy, while in To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee employs symbolism and allusions to point out how a personRead MoreThe South : Controversial Topics On Harper Lee s Kill A Mockingbird1475 Words   |  6 Pagesin Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is a critically acclaimed, Pulitzer Prize winning novel that instantly attained its position as one of the greatest literary classics (Editors).The story of Scout Finch’s childhood has become one of the most notable narratives that addresses controversial issues present in the early 20th century. Lee’s novel depicts themes of race, justice, and innocence throughout the novel. Although To Kill a Mockingbird is regarded as a literary