Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird - Literary Analysis Essay

Introduction

What is symbolism? What is symbolism and how important are they? What is the purpose of symbolism in literature and why do we use it? Symbolism is the use of symbols to express ideas or qualities. Symbolism can be used to give them symbolic meanings which are different from their literal meaning. Symbols can be items, characters or ideas. They also include colors that are used to represent larger concepts. Authors use symbolism to convey complex ideas and themes without explicitly stating them. Symbols can often be used to signify something very important. Symbolism can be used visually to communicate complex ideas visually, appealingly and increasing their understanding. Four-leaf clover, which stands for hope, faith and love, is one of the most universal symbols. The peace symbol, which represents peace, love and harmony, is another universal symbol. We see symbols like the four-leaf clover or the peace symbol all over the place, and many other symbols are used in novels. The symbols used in To Kill a Mockingbird include the mockingbird, Tim Johnson (the maddog), and Radley House tree. These symbols are used to convey deeper meanings of the topic.

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What Does a Mockingbird Symbolize?

The symbolism of mockingbirds is perhaps the most important symbol in To Kill A Mockingbird. The title is not just a title, but a symbol for what's to come in the story. Chapter 10: Atticus states, "Shoot as many bluejays as you like, if they can hit'em. But remember, it's a crime to kill a mockingbird." (Lee, p.119). Scout and Jem hear this from Atticus after they have their air-rifles. It was the first time Atticus said that it was a sin for someone to do something. This means that he doesn't want his children to be guilty of that sin. Chapter 10: Miss Maudie states that mockingbirds don't do one thing, but they make music for us all to enjoy. They don't eat people's plants, nest in corncribs and they don't do anything but sing for us. "That is why killing mockingbirds is a sin." (p. The mockingbird is a symbol of innocence. They sing to us, but they don't do any harm. Instead, they try to do good.

The mockingbird is a symbol of innocence. Therefore, the title suggests that innocence is being destroyed or killed. Boo Radley is one example of a mockingbird in this novel. Boo Radley is a mockingbird in that he doesn't harm anyone. Instead, he gives Scout and Jem presents, wraps Scout in a blanket, and saves the children from Bob Ewell, the other attackers. Boo Radley has always been thoughtful and concerned about the welfare of the children. However, the town sometimes misunderstands him. Boo represents innocents who have been damaged or destroyed by evil.

Finch Symbolism

Tim Johnson was Mr. Harry Johnson's property and was treated as a pet by Maycomb. Tim became rabies-infected in February. This was unusual considering that rabies is more common in dogs around August. Calpurnia, chapter 10, says that she knows it's February Miss Eula May but that she can recognize a mad dog when they see one (p. 124). Calpurnia believed it was strange to see a mad animal in February, but she was certain it was mad. Atticus was ordered to shoot the mad animal by Mr. Heck Tate. Atticus didn't want to shoot the dog, but he had to. The children discovered that Atticus had to kill Tim to stop him from being a racist.

Tom and Tim probably share similar names because Atticus was chosen by Tom to defend him. Tim Johnson is Atticus' representative of the mob, injustice and any other struggle he has to wage. Scout was just starting her first day of school. To get there, she had to go by the Radley house. Scout noticed a hole in a tree near the Radley House. She found two pieces gum within the hole. Chapter 4 states, "... she took two pieces of chewing gum without their wrapper and pulled them out. Scout found the first thing she had ever done was to find something in the tree. She still took both pieces, but didn't know who they were. From that point on, she found very few presents in the knot hole. Mr. Radley then filled the hole with cement. Chapter 7 reads, "Tree's die." When they're sick, you plug them with cement. Jem, you should know this. Although Mr. Radley claimed that the tree was in danger of dying and therefore filled the hole with cement, this was false. Boo was not able to communicate with Mr. Radley. Boo could only communicate with the children through the knot-hole in his tree. He tried to be kind and generous so that children wouldn't be afraid of him. The tree's knot-hole represents Jem and Scout’s friendship with Boo.

Conclusion

Symbolism is an important element of literature. Important symbols in the novel include the mockingbird, mad dog, or tree at the Radley House. The title implies that innocence is being destroyed or killed by the mockingbird, which symbolizes innocence. The novel has many mockingbird examples, so this symbol is most important. Tim Johnson is associated with Atticus in all aspects of his fight. Tom Robinson is also associated to Tim Johnson. The Radley House tree is a symbol of Scout and Jem's friendship with Boo. To understand deeper themes or ideas within literature, it is essential to learn and use symbolism. By engaging the mind, and the eyes, symbolism can help you understand the immediate environment.

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