Free Discussing Symbolism in To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Sample

The title of the book To Kill A Mockingbird comes from a proverb that states that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. The characters in the novel are warned not to kill a mockingbird which is always depicted as an innocent bird. Mockingbirds are said to be harmless, as they do not eat up people’s crops in the gardens, they only sing their hearts out to please the people around them. The title is significant to the novel because, it portrays many forms of mockingbirds throughout the story. In the progress of the novel, it is evident that Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are mockingbirds of the story because, they are accused innocently. Mockingbirds symbolize innocence and the main characters in the story are compared to mockingbirds because they are innocent yet accused of mistakes they never committed. The title is used as a metaphor.
Tom Robinson is depicted as mockingbird in the story. He was proven innocent, but died despite his innocence. In the story, it is unfortunate how Tom is sentenced, despite the fact that he was not found guilty and he is just as harmless as a mockingbird. It is ironic that, the people in the story agree that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird but they never thought twice while killing a harmless human being who is comparable to the mockingbird. Tom Robinson did not harm anyone in the story, but his innocence is taken when he is killed because of the color of his skin. Tom was presumed guilty because he was never given a fair trial because of his race. The jury formed adverse opinions about him without sufficient evidence, and prior to the presentation of evidence against him. Tom Robinson represents a mockingbird in the story based on the discrimination, racism, and prejudice he faces with the justice system despite the fact that he was innocent. Tom only wanted to help Mayella out of a kind heart just like the mockingbird, but he faced death, because of his color after Mayella cried out falsely that he had raped her.
Boo Radley is also depicted as a mockingbird in the story. He was robbed of his innocence by his parents because of his untold childhood experience. According to Harper, he was hidden by his parents away from people and the people of his age, even forgot that he existed. His father referred to him as a disgrace to the family, and so he never left their house. Boo faced a lot of pain and despite all these pains he suffered, he interacts very well with the children. In addition, he was able to save Scout and Jem from a cruel man like Bob Ewell. He is depicted as a good person who was harmless, but he is framed by Atticus and the sherrif. Boo Radley symbolizes a mockingbird and the good that exist within the people. Boo Radley represents a mockingbird in the story based on the way he was robbed of his innocence, and how he still managed to be a good person in the society. Boo shows his good side to the children by leaving them gifts. Moreover, he helped to fix Jem’s pants and most importantly, he saved the children from being murdered by Bob Ewell. No one was able to stand Bob Ewell like Boo Radley did; however, his goodness was paid by selfish interests. Boo never harmed anyone except when defending those who harmed others.
In conclusion, To Kill A Mockingbird is a novel that symbolizes the good and innocent people who are harmless, but are harmed by others. The author used the title as a metaphor by using a mockingbird to present the innocence of his main characters. Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are the mockingbirds’ in the story. Tom Robinson is accused innocently for trying to help, and later incarcerated because of his color, while Boo Radley is robbed of his innocence by his parents. The title stands out and it is relevant to the story. Therefore, To Kill A Mockingbird is a story about robbing a person’s innocence, and the title of the story is appropriate to its contents.