"To Kill A Mockingbird" Blog
Harper Lee titles her novel "To Kill A Mockingbird" because a mockingbird is very symbolic throughout the novel. First of all, it is a sin to kill a mockingbird, the bird of song and innocence.
Throughout the novel, Scout and Jem are showing signs of growing up and loosing that innocence and vulnerability to racism in the world which was evident in the beginning of the novel. For example, when Scout finally agrees to sit in on Aunt Alexandra's tea time with her friends, she shows that she is leaving her innocent tom-boyish ways behind and replacing them with more mature "girl" ways, like chatting with the ladies over a cup of tea. Another example of maturity overriding innocence is how disturbed Jem was by the verdict of Tom Robinson's trial. It is difficult for a child to understand that the world is unfair and actions have consiquences, which Jem made very clear at the end of the trial. However; his attitude changes as the novel comes to a close when Jem realizes that there is hatred and dishonestly in the world, and everyone must face it some day. Tom Robinson is also a symbol of a mockingbird himself. Acting as a helping hand to Mayella Ewell, he shows that he means no harm and is a caring young man.
When Atticus says "it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" it makes perfect sense because he does not believe that Robinson is guilty, and those who believe he guilty will get what they deserve. This theory is proven true when Mr. Ewell, who fought for Robinson to go to prison or face the death penalty for crimes against his daughter, gets killed at the end of the novel.
Atticus is attempting to teach Scout and Jem that they have to face the real world one day, and Maycomb County can not shelter them forever. I believe that this is why he let them stay inside and observe Robinson's trial. Atticus' lesson is taught well, because there are hints at the end of the novel (previously mentioned) that Scout and Jem are growing up and will turn into intelligent and well off adults.
Throughout the novel, Scout and Jem are showing signs of growing up and loosing that innocence and vulnerability to racism in the world which was evident in the beginning of the novel. For example, when Scout finally agrees to sit in on Aunt Alexandra's tea time with her friends, she shows that she is leaving her innocent tom-boyish ways behind and replacing them with more mature "girl" ways, like chatting with the ladies over a cup of tea. Another example of maturity overriding innocence is how disturbed Jem was by the verdict of Tom Robinson's trial. It is difficult for a child to understand that the world is unfair and actions have consiquences, which Jem made very clear at the end of the trial. However; his attitude changes as the novel comes to a close when Jem realizes that there is hatred and dishonestly in the world, and everyone must face it some day. Tom Robinson is also a symbol of a mockingbird himself. Acting as a helping hand to Mayella Ewell, he shows that he means no harm and is a caring young man.
When Atticus says "it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" it makes perfect sense because he does not believe that Robinson is guilty, and those who believe he guilty will get what they deserve. This theory is proven true when Mr. Ewell, who fought for Robinson to go to prison or face the death penalty for crimes against his daughter, gets killed at the end of the novel.
Atticus is attempting to teach Scout and Jem that they have to face the real world one day, and Maycomb County can not shelter them forever. I believe that this is why he let them stay inside and observe Robinson's trial. Atticus' lesson is taught well, because there are hints at the end of the novel (previously mentioned) that Scout and Jem are growing up and will turn into intelligent and well off adults.
posted by Perri Chernick at
8:04 AM
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