Symbolism Essay, Research Paper

In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, symbolism is the key literary device. Symbolism is when one thing stands for another. It is a sin to kill a mockingbird. This is because mockingbirds do not harm anything, they just sing to you. The mockingbird symbolized both Tom Robinson and Boo Radley.

Tom Robinson was a respected black man. He supported his family by working hard. He even took time to help others. Tom helped Mayella Ewell even though he had his own chores to do. Mayella took Toms kindness for granted. When Mayella did not get what she wanted from Tom, she tried to get rid of him. She did not want to remember she tempted a Negro, and he turned away from her. Mr. Underwood simply figured it was a sin to kill cripples, be they standing, sitting, or escaping. He likened Tom s death to the senseless slaughter of songbirds by hunters and children. Tom Robinson only tried to help Mayella Ewell, he never thought of hurting her. Boo the mockingbird also symbolized Radley. Boo was isolated I his house for most of his life. He kept to himself and never bothered anyone. Mr. Finch, taking the one man who s done you and this town a great service an draggin him with his shy ways into the limelight- to me thats a sin. Boo had always stayed away from people. Now that he saved Jem and Scout, people would be going to his house bringing him food. That would be awful for Boo because he does not like to be around people. Boo is like a mockingbird because he never bothered anyone. He did help by saving Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell.

It is wrong to hurt something that has never done anything wrong. Just like it is a sin to kill a mockingbird, an innocent man, and a seclude person.