To Kill A Mockingbird Analysis

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Why is it a sin to kill a mockingbird? In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, a mockingbird symbolizes innocence. According to Atticus, “It is a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Pg 119). Three examples of mockingbirds are, Mayella Ewell, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley. Mayella Ewell would be a mocking bird because of innocence. For instance, Mayella’s childhood was taken and she had to become the woman of the house. Mayella didn’t know because she was uneducated and was put into the situation blindly. When Mrs. Maudie Atkinson says, “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing except make music for us to enjoy” (Page 119). When the author says this, Harper Lee implies that mockingbirds don’t harm anyone but put others before them and do things for them and …show more content…
When Scout says, “Naw Jem, I think there’s just one type of folks. Folks” (Page 304). When Harper Lee says this, she is meaning that all people are equal, whether it’s by color, race, or religion, we’re all the same. This could also mean that everyone is the same, that people are people. Boo Radley would be a mocking bird and be innocent because he had not harmed anyone. For instance, Boo Radley was a victim of the Maycomb County’s prejudice ways. When Jem says, “I’m starting to understand why Boo Radley’s stayed shut up in the house all the time… it’s because he wants to stay inside” ( Page 304). This has a much deeper meaning than what it says. When the author says this, they imply that Boo Radley hasn’t been locked up away… he’s chosen to do so. Boo Radley stayed inside to keep away from the drama and problematic situations in Maycomb. He wanted to stay away from the prejudice, ignorant minded people who would make fun of him. Boo Radley was considered a scary and dangerous man, but in reality he was a sweet, kind, gentle, and quiet person. For example, he had showered the kids with gifts and goodies. When Scout says, “Well it’d be sort of like shootin’ a mockingbird wouldn’t it?” ( Page 370).

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