Who Is the Mockingbird?

Why Is it a Sin to Kill a Mockingbird?

• It is a sin to kill a mockingbird because they do no wrong on Earth, and their existence is peaceful. Atticus first states, "Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it is a sin to kill a mockingbird" (Lee 119).

Why Is it a Sin to Kill a Mockingbird?

• Later, Miss Maudie clarifies the statement to the children and explains that "-- 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). Therefore, it is a sin because they truly only want to be kind and graceful, and would be despicable thing to try to end their lives.

Who Is the Mockingbird?

• Tom Robinson is the mockingbird because, like the harmonious creatures, Tom tried to make peace with everyone, and his existence caused no ruin. In addition, he is always thinking of others, and a prime example of this is when he is speaking on the stand at his trial.

Who Is the Mockingbird?

• Tom is asked about the time he helped Mayella Ewell chop wood, and says, "I was glad to do it, Mr.Ewell didn't seem to help her none, and neither did the chillun" (Lee 256). This indicates that even though Mayella may have insulted him, he was willing to assist her, yet he is accused of defiling a young woman when he had done nothing of the sort.

Who Is the Mockingbird?

• In this way, a sin is taking place because Tom is being bamboozled, and he didn't do anything to undermine anyone.

Symbolism

• Camelias- In the book, Mrs. Dubose is a cruel elderly lady who chastised Jem on multiple occasions. However, the exterior of her home is decorated with many white camelias. The camelias represent how beautiful things can hide evil things, such as racism.
• Blanket- When Miss Maudie's home catches fire, Boo Radley places a blanket around Scout.

Symbolism(cont'd)

• Blanket(cont'd)-This act symbolizes kindness and good will. In addition, it forebodes that Boo Radley may be friend rather than someone to be frightened of.

Symbolism(cont'd)

• Red Geraniums- There are red geraniums near the Ewell property. The flowers represent hope for Mayella to have a better life, and, similiar to the camelias, it shows that there can be hope even in terrible situations.

Figurative Language

• Simile- "Smoke was rolling off our house and Miss Rachel's like fog off a riverbank" (Lee 93). The author is comparing two things using the word "like."
• Allusion- "Times are too hard" (Lee 286). It is an allusion because the author is referring to the Great Depression, which is a well-known catastrophe that readers should be familiar with.
• Idiom- "I never thought Jem'd be the one to lose his head over this---thought I'd have more trouble with you" (Lee 139). This is an example of an idiom because, in actuality, Jem isn't being beheaded; he just isn't thinking clearly.

Figurative Language(cont'd)

• Idiom- "I never thought Jem'd be the one to lose his head over this---thought I'd have more trouble with you" (Lee 139). This is an example of an idiom because, in actuality, Jem isn't being beheaded; he just isn't thinking clearly.

Figurative language(cont'd)

• Allusion- "Times are too hard" (Lee 286). It is an allusion because the author is referring to the Great Depression, which is a well-known catastrophe that readers should be familiar with.