“Remember, it is a sin to kill a mockingbird” (119). This is what Atticus tells Jem and Scout when they want to kill birds with their new rifles. To Kill a Mockingbird is an excellent novel with a myriad of deep and powerful messages and themes found throughout the story. A particularly dominant theme was the idea of ​​gossip and innocence. This theme is recurring throughout the novel. A symbol that aids the theme is the mockingbird, ironically featured in the book's title. Harper Lee used a variety of quotes and the symbol of the thrush to demonstrate how gossip can control a group of people (the town) and destroy the innocence found in people. Killing a mockingbird is a sin. The Atticus quote listed above is about the killing of life, but it is also an extended metaphor for the corruption of innocence. Miss Maudie explains Atticus' mockingbird quote when she says, "Your father is right," she said. “The Mockingbirds don't do one thing except create music for our enjoyment. . . but they sing at the top of their lungs for us. That is why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird” (119). Thrushes are harmless birds that sing songs by imitating or "mocking" the noises of other animals, including birds. When they sing and flutter, they are not harming anyone, but simply minding their own business. For this reason both Miss Maudie and Atticus are right. As long as mockingbirds are minding their own business and not bothering anyone, there is absolutely no reason to kill them. The metaphor refers to gossip and innocence when Maycomb takes an innocent person and gossips about them, causing the town to have a prejudice against them even though they have done nothing. For this reason, killing a mockingbird is a sin, as is gossiping about an innocent person through... paper... ry. It brings all the characters and events and connects them. Harper Lee really wanted to highlight the idea of ​​acceptance and innocence. Our world doesn't give people a chance. People cannot judge a book by its cover or spread rumors and false information. This message also extends to people of color in the book. Tom Robinson was black and some people couldn't respect him for that. If Bob Ewell attempted to kill the children, he also abused Mayella, making Tom innocent. But he was still found guilty of a crime he never committed. He too was a mockingbird. Innocence is a privilege, but people abuse it. Gossip can cause guilt, taking away people's innocence. Therefore, innocence was a strong theme because people need to give chances and forgive. They must be open-minded. Why kill a thrush? After all, he is just another innocent creature.