The Mockingbird's Role in "To Kill a Mockingbird", Both as a Symbol and a Metaphor

“Discuss the role of the mockingbird in the novel, both as a symbol and a metaphor.”

In many novels, there is clear recognition of the so-called “good” characters and the “bad” characters. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, particular characters exemplify innocence. This innocence is symbolised by a mockingbird. Throughout the novel there are events whereby the mockingbird occurs, both as a metaphor and a symbol of the story.
“… they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” These are the words of the Finches’ neighbour, Miss Maudie, who explains the symbol and significance of the mockingbird. The metaphorical mockingbirds who stand out in the novel are Atticus, Jem Finch and Tom Robinson. Their virtues stand out through their moralities and actions in difficult stages of the story.
Atticus Finch is the most important mockingbird of the book. Calm and collected, he never responds with aggression. When Bob Ewell, his opponent in court, spits in his face, Atticus does not retaliate. As Scout narrates: “… Atticus didn’t bat an eye, just took out his handkerchief and wiped his face and stood there…”, while most people would react angrily. Atticus always follows his moral compass, even if this means that he and his family will suffer. When he takes on the case of Tom Robinson he knows that his community will turn against him, but he carries on regardless because he knows that it is the right thing to do. Scout questions why he is taking on the case if he knows he is going to lose, to which he replies: “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.”
Atticus is an extraordinary person in Maycomb; although it is a racist town, he guides his children to become ethical and responsible citizens. He has principled views on what courage really means. When he reveals that he is an excellent shot, he remains modest about it– he feels that the ability to shoot things is not worthy of pride. “Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It's knowing you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway.” This is what Atticus tells Jem and Scout when explaining the bravery of Mrs Dubose, who overcame her morphine addiction. Atticus disregards people’s opinions of him, nor does he judge others. He tells his children: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
Jem Finch, the second mockingbird, is still young and very idealistic about society. After witnessing the court case and taking in the facts, Jem instantly thinks that Tom will be freed: “Jem was pumping in excitement. ‘We’ve won, haven’t we?’” He is shocked and deeply saddened when he discovers Maycomb’s unfair treatment of black people, and devastated when Tom is found guilty. He asks Scout, “If there's one kind of folks, why can't they get along with each other? If they're all alike, why do they go out of their way to despise one another?...” He tries hard to follow his father’s example, revealing bravery when he and Scout are attacked by Bob Ewell; he helps Scout instead of simply running away. He learns and grows throughout the book and shows great compassion and concern for others.
The final mockingbird is Tom Robinson. Although he is a somewhat “flat” character, Tom is a very important one– he is a test of Maycomb's racism, which sadly fails. He did nothing but help Mayella Ewell, yet his goodwill was repaid by the loss of his life. Both a family man and regular member of the First Purchase Church, Tom is a well-meaning man who finds himself in trouble merely for the colour of his skin.
To conclude, the role of the mockingbird in the novel is as a symbol of innocence and virtue. The metaphorical mockingbirds in the novel are seen as such, because of their actions and beliefs in the midst of a prejudiced community.