An Analysis of the Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird (90 ). A neighbor, Mrs. Maudie, explains why: “Thrushes do nothing but create music for our enjoyment. They don't eat people's gardens, they don't nest in corn cribs, they don't do anything other than sing at the top of their lungs for us. That is why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird” (90). mockingbird". Furthermore, the novel illustrates the theme of prejudice in a multitude of forms. In "To Kill a Mockingbird", the mockingbird symbol supports the theme of prejudice in sexism, ostracism and racism. The first mockingbird in the novel . is Scout Finch, the tomboy narrator. From a young age, she was affected by "feminine things", most likely because her upbringing was influenced by her widowed father and older brother the trap or go home: I declare to the Lord that you become more like a girl every day!" Jem tells her (51). Jem uses the word "girl" with a negative connotation and Scout will do anything to stop Jem and Dill to think of her as a girl. Aunt Alexandra, her father's sister, is later brought into her life to provide a feminine influence; however, her aunt only scolds Scout for her tomboyish ways: “Aunt Alexandra she was fanatical about my attire. I could not hope to be a lady if I wore trousers; when I said I couldn't do anything in a dress, she said I shouldn't do things that required pants” (81). Aunt Alexandra's attitude towards trousers shows what she deems acceptable for a young woman; believes Scout is...... middle of paper ...... helps Scout realize, "Tom was a dead man the moment Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed" (241). Although the trial seems fair on the surface, it shows the racism that ultimately causes Tom's death, and the majority of Maycomb agrees with the outcome. In summary, Harper Lee uses the symbol of a mockingbird to illustrate three different types of prejudice in “To Kill.” a mockingbird." Scout, the narrator, capitulates to the pressure to act like a lady, illustrating sexism in the process. Boo Radley, a friendly man about whom horrible rumors are circulating, illustrates the theme of ostracism. Finally, Tom Robinson, an innocent man, faces his downfall due to Maycomb's racism. All three of these characters are mockingbirds, because they hurt no one and are hurt in many ways. Through symbolism, Lee was able to illustrate a clearer picture of prejudice in her fictional town.

Topic > An Analysis of the Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird (90 ). A neighbor, Mrs. Maudie, explains why: “Thrushes do nothing but create music for our enjoyment. They don't eat people's gardens, they don't nest in corn cribs, they don't do anything other than sing at the top of their lungs for us. That is why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird” (90). mockingbird". Furthermore, the novel illustrates the theme of prejudice in a multitude of forms. In "To Kill a Mockingbird", the mockingbird symbol supports the theme of prejudice in sexism, ostracism and racism. The first mockingbird in the novel . is Scout Finch, the tomboy narrator. From a young age, she was affected by "feminine things", most likely because her upbringing was influenced by her widowed father and older brother the trap or go home: I declare to the Lord that you become more like a girl every day!" Jem tells her (51). Jem uses the word "girl" with a negative connotation and Scout will do anything to stop Jem and Dill to think of her as a girl. Aunt Alexandra, her father's sister, is later brought into her life to provide a feminine influence; however, her aunt only scolds Scout for her tomboyish ways: “Aunt Alexandra she was fanatical about my attire. I could not hope to be a lady if I wore trousers; when I said I couldn't do anything in a dress, she said I shouldn't do things that required pants” (81). Aunt Alexandra's attitude towards trousers shows what she deems acceptable for a young woman; believes Scout is...... middle of paper ...... helps Scout realize, "Tom was a dead man the moment Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed" (241). Although the trial seems fair on the surface, it shows the racism that ultimately causes Tom's death, and the majority of Maycomb agrees with the outcome. In summary, Harper Lee uses the symbol of a mockingbird to illustrate three different types of prejudice in “To Kill.” a mockingbird." Scout, the narrator, capitulates to the pressure to act like a lady, illustrating sexism in the process. Boo Radley, a friendly man about whom horrible rumors are circulating, illustrates the theme of ostracism. Finally, Tom Robinson, an innocent man, faces his downfall due to Maycomb's racism. All three of these characters are mockingbirds, because they hurt no one and are hurt in many ways. Through symbolism, Lee was able to illustrate a clearer picture of prejudice in her fictional town.