The Symbol of the mockingbird

The Mockingbird Symbol gives the novel its name; it runs throughout the novel, creating a unifying theme, but primarily, it links the two parts of the novel (and thus the two plots).

Boo Radley and Tom Robinson are both “Mockingbirds”, both innocent victims who mean no harm to anyone. (Consider all Boo Radley’s gestures of kindness: the ‘gifts’ in the tree; the mending of Jem’s trousers; the blanket around Scout’s shoulders –and the saving of the children’s lives. Tom Robinson wanted to help Mayella Ewell; his downfall was that he felt sorry for her.)

To kill a mockingbird is seen as sinful by Atticus and Miss Maudie. Tom Robinson dies – an inhumane and mindless act, caused by a prejudiced society. Boo Radley does not die, but his killing of Bob Ewell links him again with the mockingbird symbol. To bring Boo Radley to trial would be like killing a mockingbird.

The children’s ‘persecution’ of Boo Radley in Part One shows how little they understand ...