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

The Crucial Role of Symbols in To wipe out a Mockingbird In To cleanup a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, themes and central ideas of the novel are emphasized by subtle symbols. Symbols generaten throughout the novel not only fend for concrete objects but also ideas, feelings, beliefs, and attitudes of the characters. Some symbols even represent more than one thing. Lees recurring implement of symbols contribute to the underlying themes and ideas of the novel. Lees unusual title is a symbol itself and it keeps the reader in anticipation while waiting for a mockingbird to enter the story. Symbols contribute to literature by causing the reader to attend the piece of work and look for meanings other than the literal one. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the use of symbols play a crucial role in the developing of the novel. One of the first major symbols that emerge in the novel is Tim Johnson, a mad dog who is infected with craziness. Just as the dog is infected with rabies, the citizenry of Maycomb County are infected with racism (Jones 54). When turkey cock 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 compassion or regret for him other than genus Atticus. Atticus describes the people of Maycomb as mad dogs that he must confront by defending Tom (Lee 103). To prove 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 protect his neighbors from rabies as he wishes he coul... ... and Boo are uncanny. It is obvious that Harper Lee chose both of them as her mockingbirds. Lees choice of such an unusual title is entirely another symbol present in the novel. Lees use of symbols re im perative 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. Alabama Review April 26, 1973 122-36. Johnson, Claudia. The Secret Courts of Mens police vanCode 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. New York City, NY J.B.Lippincott Company, 1960.