The MockingbirdIt is easy to assume that the mockingbird is a simple symbol, representative only of one character or one concept; but in fact, it is this limitation of the mockingbird ideal that causes the story of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' to fall into the vicious cycle of misunderstanding.
“Remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it. “Your father’s right,” she said. “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy . . . but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” There are four characters who personify the traits of the mockingbird: Scout Finch: Scout, like the mockingbird, is an innocent bystander who is under constant threat of being hurt by the lack of mercy that surrounds her. Scout's education in empathy becomes more than just that, it becomes an education into injustice, and understanding. Tom Robinson: Tom Robinson's kindness towards Mayella Ewell was literally the death of him. From a simple action of caring and assistance, he was wrongly accused of hurting Mayella Ewell. This image of the mockingbird who did no wrong and yet was condemned for his simple innocence. Boo Radley: Whilst Boo Radley was confined to the 'nest' of his home, he was only watching out for the preservation of the innocence of the Finch children, attempting to protect them from the damaging social education of Maycomb. He was generous in his care for the Finch children, just as the mockingbird is generous in sharing its song with us. Harper Lee-The Author: Harper Lee could be the mockingbird, singing her song out about the injustices and imperfections of her own childhood society, and sharing her experiences in order to raise awareness through narrative. |