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In To Kill a Mockingbird one of the themes is the punishment of innocent things. For example, Tom is innocent and considered a mockingbird because all he was trying to do was help Mayella. Instead, he gets sued and later killed in jail. Like a mockingbird, all Tom was trying to do was make Mayella happy.

Like Miss Maudie said all the Songbirds try to do is make music for us to enjoy.

"Remember it's a sin To Kill a Mockingbird." That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it.

"Your father's right," she said. "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy . . . but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."

Boo Radley could also be considered a mockingbird because he has false judgments made against him, but he is very innocent. At the end of the novel, Boo saves Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell, so Boo is actually a good person.

So basically mockingbirds are considered innocent things, and shooting them would be a sin because they don't cause any harm.

Hope this helps!

Sources: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/mocking/quotes.html#explanation3

Ps. SparkNotes.com is a really good site for anything TKAM!

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Dahlia Hagenes

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2y ago
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1mo ago

In literature, a mockingbird is often used to symbolize innocence and purity. It represents a creature that brings joy through its song and is seen as harmless and vulnerable, making it a symbol of compassion and empathy. The act of harming a mockingbird is viewed as a sin, as it is seen as destroying something beautiful and innocent.

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10y ago

In To Kill a Mockingbird one of the themes is the punishment of innocent things. For example, Tom is innocent and considered a mockingbird because all he was trying to do was help Mayella. Instead, he gets sued and later killed in jail. Like a mockingbird, all Tom was trying to do was make Mayella happy.

Like Miss Maudie said all the Songbirds try to do is make music for us to enjoy.

"Remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it.

"Your father's right," she said. "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy . . . but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."

Boo Radley could also be considered a mockingbird because he has false judgments made against him, but he is very innocent. At the end of the novel, Boo saves Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell, so Boo is actually a good person.

So basically mockingbirds are considered innocent things, and shooting them would be a sin because they don't cause any harm.

Hope this helps!

Sources: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/mocking/quotes.html#explanation3

Ps. SparkNotes.com is a really good site for anything TKAM!

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Q: What is the symbolism of a mockingbird?
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What is an example and page number of symbolism in 'to kill a mockingbird'?

One example of symbolism in "To Kill a Mockingbird" is the mockingbird itself, which represents innocence and goodness. This symbolism is evident on page 90 in Chapter 10 when Atticus tells Scout and Jem, "it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." This statement serves as a metaphor for the unjust treatment of innocent individuals like Tom Robinson in the story.


What does symbolism mean?

Symbolism is a literary technique. A symbol is something that represents something else. For example, in "To Kill a Mockingbird", a mockingbird symbolizes someone who does good things for other people, and does no wrong, but is still persecuted.


How is symbolism used in the book to kill a mockingbird by Harper Lee?

Symbolism is used throughout "To Kill a Mockingbird" to convey deeper meanings and themes. For example, the mockingbird symbolizes innocence and purity, while the tree outside the Radley house symbolizes the growth and change of the characters. The jail and the spooky house symbolize fear and prejudice within the community.


Who are mockingbird symbols?

Mockingbirds are symbols of innocence, beauty, and freedom in literature and folklore. They represent purity and protection as they do not harm others. The character Boo Radley in "To Kill a Mockingbird" is often associated with the symbolism of the mockingbird.


What are the symbols in To Kill a Mockingbird?

To Kill a Mockingbird is filled with character symbolism. The most prominent are Scout's overalls, Scout and Jem's snowman and Boo Radley's soap carvings.


Are mockingbirds a sign of spirtuality?

Not necessarily in the context of American literature or symbolism. The mockingbird has it's most noteworthy appearance in Lee Harper's novel, To Kill A Mockingbird. In this story Harper uses the Mockingbird as a metaphor for American freedom.


Why is it illegal To Kill a Mockingbird in the US?

The name of the book "To Kill a Mockingbird" comes from its symbolism of innocence and justice. It is not actually illegal to kill a mockingbird in the US, but the title serves as a metaphor for harming something innocent and defenseless.


What is symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird?

In "To Kill a Mockingbird," symbolism is used to represent larger ideas or themes. For example, the mockingbird symbolizes innocence and purity, Tom Robinson's crippled arm symbolizes the injustice and limitations he faces in society, and Boo Radley's house symbolizes isolation and mystery. These symbols help to convey deeper meanings and messages throughout the novel.


What animal would best represent Scout Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird?

A mockingbird would best represent Scout Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird because she is innocent, curious, and kind-hearted, much like the symbolism of the mockingbird in the novel. Just like a mockingbird, Scout is a symbol of purity and goodness.


What is the symbolism of the gum in To Kill a Mockingbird?

In "To Kill a Mockingbird," the gum represents a friendly and generous gesture from Boo Radley to Scout and Jem. It serves as a symbol of Boo's care and concern for the children, as well as his attempts to reach out to them despite his reclusive nature. Additionally, the gum symbolizes the theme of innocence and the purity of childhood in the novel.


What literary devices are used in to kill a mockingbird chapter 30?

In Chapter 30 of "To Kill a Mockingbird," the author Harper Lee uses symbolism in the mockingbird to represent innocence and purity. She also employs foreshadowing when Scout realizes that Boo Radley has been watching over them, hinting at his role as their protector throughout the story. Additionally, Lee uses irony when Atticus tells Scout that exposing Boo Radley as a hero would be like killing a mockingbird, highlighting the theme of empathy and understanding.


What were the carved soaps images of in to kill a mockingbird?

In "To Kill a Mockingbird," the carved soap figures were made to represent Scout and Jem. They were carved by Boo Radley, and left for the children to find in the knothole of a tree. This gesture symbolizes Boo's attempt to connect with the children and show his care for them.