The Crucial Role of Symbols in To Kill a Mockingbird Essay -- Kill Moc

The Crucial spot of Symbols in To Kill a Mockingbird In To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, themes and central ideas of the novel are stress by subtle symbols. Symbols shown throughout the novel not only represent concrete objects but also ideas, feelings, beliefs, and attitudes of the characters. Some symbols even represent more(prenominal) than one thing. Lees recurring determination of symbols contribute to the underlying themes and ideas of the novel. Lees funny deed is a symbol itself and it keeps the reader in anticipation while wait for a mockingbird to enter the story. Symbols contribute to literature by do the reader to examine the piece of work and look for piths other than the real one. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the use of symbols play a all important(p) role in the development of the novel. One of the first major symbols that pop out in the novel is Tim Johnson, a upset dog who is infected with rabies. upright as the dog is infected with rabies, the people of Maycomb County are infected with racial discrimination (Jones 54). When Tom Robinson is brought to trial, convicted, and ultimately murdered for a crime he did not commit, no one in the town seems to show any clemency or regret for him other than genus genus Atticus. Atticus describes the people of Maycomb as mad dogs that he must confront by defending Tom (Lee 103). To demonstrate the symbol further, Atticus is the person called upon to shoot and kill Tim Johnson. This action by the people of Maycomb, show their deep trust in Atticus. As Atticus shoots and kills the mad dog, he also shots and kills racism in Maycomb as he steps up and defends Tom Robinson with all of his power. Through this action, Atticus is attempting to harbor his neighbors from rabies as he wishes he coul... ... and Boo are uncanny. It is explicit that Harper Lee chose both of them as her mockingbirds. Lees choice of such an unusual title is simply another symbol present in the novel. Lees use of symbols re imperative to the development of her novel. The symbols give structure and hidden meaning to the text. As the reader contemplates the use of symbolism, the main theme always emerges it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. Works Cited Erisman, Fred. The Romantic Regionalism of Harper Lee. atomic number 13 Review April 26, 1973 122-36. Johnson, Claudia. The Secret Courts of Mens HeartsCode and Law in Harper Lees To Kill a Mockingbird. Studies in American Fiction (1991)129-139. Jones, Carolyn. Atticus Finch and the Mad Dog. The Southern Quarterly Summer 1996 56-63. Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. tender York City, NY J.B.Lippincott Company, 1960.