Topic > To Kill a Mockingbird: conflict, themes and symbolism

Index Meaning of To Kill a Mockingbird Segregation and conflict in To Kill a Mockingbird Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird Personal opinion on To Kill a Mockingbird Works Cited Meaning of To Kill a Mockingbird The title of the novel To Kill A Mockingbird means punishing something that he does not deserve to be punished, reflecting the central theme of injustice. For example, when Miss Maudie said: “The Mockingbirds don't do one thing but create music for our enjoyment. They don't eat people's gardens, they don't nest in corn troughs, they do nothing but sing at the top of their lungs for us. That's why it's a shame to kill a mockingbird. (Law 103). Miss Maudie's quote highlights the symbolic importance of the thrush as an innocent and harmless creature. This symbolism is intricately woven into the narrative, reflecting To Kill a Mockingbird's larger conflict between social prejudice and the pursuit of justice. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Segregation and Conflict in To Kill a Mockingbird Segregation and Jim Crow Laws created the conflict of the novel by placing Atticus, his family, and Tom Robinson in danger because Atticus was defending a black man. Like when Atticus faced the Cunninghams: “Son, I said go home.” Jem shook his head. "I'll send him home." said a burly man, and grabbed him roughly by the collar. It almost lifted Jem off the ground. "Don't touch it!" I kicked the man quickly. Barefoot, I was surprised to see him fall backwards in pain.” (Lee 173). This quote from the interaction of Atticus, Jem, Scout and the Cunninghams represents the conflict by showing Jem and Scout physically fighting with grown men to help Atticus escape. The symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird Boo Radley can be represented as an angel because he shows guardian qualities and security like when Boo gave Scout a blanket, “”Thank who?” I asked. “Boo Radley. Were you so busy watching the fire that you didn't notice when he wrapped you in the blanket?” (Law 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 cared about others for the good of all. One scene with images is the Tim Johnson dog scene. when he went crazy. “She followed us past Radley Place and looked where Jem had pointed her. Tim Johnson wasn't much more than a speck in the distance, but he was closer to us. He walked unevenly, as if his right legs were shorter than his left ones. It reminded me of a car stuck in a bed of sand.” (Law 106). This scene very vividly describes the dog's behavior with words like "speckle", "walked erratically", "reminded me of a car stuck in a bed of sand". Symbolism can be found when Jem and Scout find treasure in the Radley oak tree. tree. “Two live oaks stood on the edge of the Radley lot; their roots reached into the side road and made it bumpy. Something in one of the trees caught my attention. A sheet of tin foil protruded from a knot just above my eye level, winking at me in the afternoon sun. I stood on tiptoe, looked around quickly once more, reached into the hole, and pulled out two pieces of chewing gum without the outer casing. (Law 37). This tree symbolizes that one of the Radleys was trying to connect with the outside world. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Personal Opinion on “The Darkness Beyond, 1960.