Essay On Symbolism In To Kill A Mockingbird

Symbols refer to ideas beyond the words, and are used to develop themes by making the reader interpret an idea for him/herself. To Kill A Mockingbird written by harper Lee in 1960 is a prime example of how symbolism can be effectively used to develop a theme. Lee uses many symbols throughout the novel to present thematic ideas to the reader. For example, the symbol of The Mockingbird is used to symbolize moral injustice. This symbol is essential to understanding the message of the book and is even referred to in the title. The mad dog is another important symbol used to represent challenges an individual must face, and the craziness of Maycomb. As a result, Harper Lee uses the symbols of The Mockingbird and The Mad Dog to develop the theme of a society’s moral injustice.

The symbol of The Mockingbird represents various characters throughout the novel and helps develop the theme of moral injustice. Tom robinson is an example of a “Mockingbird” because he never did anything wrong, however he was shot and wrongfully accused. The explanation of “a mockingbird” can be found in the book when Miss.Maudie says “ Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy (...) they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird”(Lee, 119). This explains why it is wrong for one to kill a mockingbird; since they do not cause anyone misfortune, it would be morally unjust to cause them misfortune. Tom Robinson is symbolized as a mockingbird
Lee uses the symbols to represent the unjust in an individual’s life, which shows the reader the injustice and Maycomb. Moral injustice, whether it be a way of thinking, or in a society, can create unnecessary conflict in one's life and only has negative effects. These effects will drastically change an individual’s life and their