American Literature

Question

In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, who or what does the mockingbird symbolize?

Answer 1

In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, the mockingbird symbolizes innocence. If argued correctly, there are more than one mockingbird presented in the novel; however, the most obvious one would be Tom Robinson.

Answer 2

Jessica has the simple answer, but it may help to remember where it comes up in the novel besides the title. Look for the conversation between Atticus and Scout when she’s asking about why he does what he does. He uses the symbol of the mockingbird, and how “It’s a sin to kill [one].”

Answer 3

In "To Kill a Mockingbird," the mockingbird symbolizes innocence.

Answer 4

The Mockingbird symbolizes innocence. In the book there are many innocent characters, including the children. Atticus says that it's a "sin" to kill a mockingbird. The title of the book itself serves as a metaphor, relating to the destruction of innocence.

Answer 5

Hello there,

In "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, the 'mockingbird' comes to symbolize innocence. Throughout the story, it is said that "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". The 'Mockingbird' forms a parallel relationship with 'Boo Radley', representing the death of innocence; it is said that shooting Boo Radley would be like shooting a mockingbird.

Answer 6

If you think back to a dinner table discussion, Jem asks his dad for a gun to shoot birds. His dad told him he could shoot crows and other birds, but to never kill a mockingbird because all the bird did was make music; in other words it was innocent. Knowing that, who was the character in the novel that represented those characteristics?