Symbolism of the Mockingbird in

To Kill A Mockingbird

* The mockingbird in To Kill a Mockingbird is a symbol of innocents in society and of innocence in

general, especially when that innocence is destroyed. The symbolism of the mockingbird is most
prominently evidenced when Atticus tells Jem and Scout not to use their BB guns to shoot
mockingbirds because “it is a sin to kill a mockingbird” and Miss Maudie cements this assertion by
adding that mockingbirds are not pests that damage people’s gardens but instead only make sweet
music for us to enjoy. ***

Instructions: Answer the following questions on symbolism in To Kill a

Mockingbird.

1. Who is the most significant example of a mockingbird in the novel? Justify your
response, using evidence from the text.

The most significant example of a mockingbird in the novel is Tom Robinson. Due to prevalence of
“Maycomb’s disease” which is racism and prejudice, the Tom Robinson’s case has proven that Tom
is like a mockingbird who is innocent, vulnerable and defenseless. Tom Robinson is a Black man
wrongfully convicted of rape when he genuinely helps Mayella Ewell, a White girl, out of kindness
and sympathy. His death is compared in the Maycomb Tribune to the “senseless slaughter of
songbirds by hunters and children”. This is a direct reference to Atticus’ warning that “it’s a sin to
kill a mockingbird” as they are harmless and only add beauty to the society.

2. Give two other examples of mockingbirds in the text. Justify your response, using
evidence from the text.

Two other examples of mockingbirds in the novel are Boo Radley and Jem. Boo Radley can
be described as a ‘caged bird’ as he has been locked up in his house for fifteen years due to
his past involvement with the “wrong crowd”. Even though society makes him out to be a
reclusive monster, he is an innocent and kind person. He brings joy into Jem and Scout’s life
by delivering gifts such as chewing gum and an old watch in a knothole similarly to how a
bird drops off food in a tree nest. He is also selfless in defending the children from Bob
Ewell. Even though Boo stabbed Mr. Ewell, Sheriff Tate refuses to arrest Mr. Radley as doing
so is like killing a mockingbird. Jem Finch, Atticus’ son, is an innocent child who falls victim to
Bob Ewell’s revenge attack. This can be compared to the sinful deed of killing a mockingbird
as Jem does not create havoc in society and does good like inviting Walter Cunnigham for a
meal. After Bob Ewell is exposed as a liar and an abusive father by Atticus in court, Bob plans
to kill Atticus’ defenseless children as he is scared to face Atticus himself. In the dark, Bob
attacks Jem even though Jem has not done anything to him. Being the caring person that he
is, Jem seeks to save Scout from Mr. Ewell’s attack.
3. Explain two ways in which old Tim Johnson can be seen as a symbol of racism.

After old Tim Johnson becomes a rabid dog, he is immediately seen as a danger to the
community. This is symbolic of the racism and prejudice in Maycomb. Old Tim Johnson
represents the mentality of the citizens. Most persons in the town are guilty of having the
“Maycomb disease” of racism as they go “stark raving mad” when anything involving Blacks
is brought up. They behave like a rabid dog who is out of control by speaking and acting
illogically. Additionally, old Tim Johnson is described as being just as dangerous dead or
alive. This can also be said about racism. Even if Atticus tries dismiss racism inside the
courtroom, racism and prejudice will still thrive in society no matter the outcome of the
Tom Robinson case, whether there is an acquittal or conviction.

4. If old Tim Johnson is a symbol of racism and Atticus kills him with one shot of his
gun, what does this indicate about Atticus’ prospects of “shooting down” racism
in Tom Robinson? How does this contrast with the final decision of the case?

Just as how Sheriff Tate refuses to serve justice for Tom Robinson before the trial, he
also refuses to shoot the rabid dog, leaving Atticus to do it. This represents that the
town expects Atticus to defend Tom Robinson because no one is brave enough to do
it. Atticus wants to “save” the town from the disease of prejudice as evident in the
Tom Robinson trial. Atticus endeavours to present Tom as innocent in hopes of a fair
and unbiased judgement by a White jury. Even though Atticus exposes Bob Ewell
who is a White man as a liar and abuser, the racist mentality of the citizens causes an
innocent Black man to be sentenced to prison. This shows that one person cannot
get rid of racism and prejudice. It is only the mindset of the citizens that has to
change for racism to be “shot down”.