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  • Essay / To Kill a Mockingbird: Conflict, Themes, and Symbolism

    Table of ContentsMeaning of To Kill a MockingbirdSegregation and Conflict in To Kill a MockingbirdSymbolism in To Kill a MockingbirdPersonal Opinion on To Kill a MockingbirdWorks CitedMeaning of To Kill a MockingbirdThe Title of The novel To Kill A Mockingbird means to punish something that does not deserve to be punished, reflecting the central theme of injustice. For example, when Miss Maudie said, "The Mockingbirds don't do anything other than make music for us to enjoy." They don't devour people's gardens, they don't nest in corn cages, they don't do anything but sing their hearts out to us. This is why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. (Lee 103). Miss Maudie's quote highlights the symbolic importance of the mockingbird as an innocent and harmless creature. This symbolism is intricately woven into the narrative, reflecting the larger conflict between societal prejudice and the quest for justice. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essaySegregation and Conflict in To Kill a MockingbirdSegregation and Jim Crow laws created the conflict of the novel by setting Atticus, his family and Tom Robinson in danger because Atticus defended a black man. Like when Atticus was confronted by the Cunninghams, "'Son, I said go home.' Jem shook his head. “I’ll send him home.” » Said a strong man, and grabbed him roughly by the collar. He almost knocked Jem off his feet. “Don’t touch him!” I kicked the man quickly. Barefoot, I was surprised to see him fall back into real pain. (Lie 173). This quote from the interaction of Atticus, Jem, Scout, and the Cunninghams represents the conflict by showing Jem and Scout engaging in a physical altercation with adult men to help Atticus escape. Symbolism in To Kill a MockingbirdBoo Radley can be represented as an angel. because he demonstrates guardian and security qualities, like when Boo gave Scout a blanket, ""Thanks who? I asked. “Boo Radley. Were you so busy looking at the fire that you didn't realize it when he wrapped you in the blanket? (Lee 82). This quote from a conversation between Atticus and Scout shows that Boo Radley was not the monster he was made out to be, but rather a person who looked out for others for the greater good. One scene with pictures is the Tim Johnson the dog scene. when he went crazy. “She followed us past Radley Place and looked where Jem was pointing. Tim Johnson was just a dot in the distance, but he was closer to us. He walked unevenly, as if his right legs were shorter than his left legs. It reminded me of a car stuck in a bed of sand. (Lie 106). This scene very vividly describes the dog's behavior with words such as "point", "walked erratically", "reminded me of a car stuck in a bed of sand". Symbolism can be found when Jem and Scout find treasures in the Radley Oak Tree. TREE. “Two live oaks stood at the edge of Radley’s field; their roots extended to the side road and made it bumpy. Something about one of the trees caught my eye. Tinfoil protruded from a hole just above my eye level, winking at me in the afternoon sun. I stood on tiptoe, hurriedly looked around again, reached into the hole and pulled out two pieces of gum without their outer wrappers. (Lee 37). This tree symbolizes the fact that one of the Radleys was trying, 1960.