To Kill a Mockingbird is not just a simple story of growing up. This book contains metaphors and symbolism that greatly increase its literary value.
Mockingbird
The most important symbol in this story is probably the mockingbird. The theme of the mockingbird is shown in the title and throughout the rest of the book. After Scout and Jem received air rifles for Christmas, their father Atticus said to them "Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can him 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."(p.129) Later, Miss Maudie explains that "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy."(p.129) Here we learn that the mockingbird is a harmless and pleasant creature. In the story, the mockingbird symbolizes two people: Arthur "Boo" Radley and Tom Robinson. Both are discriminated against in Maycomb, when they are, in fact, gentle and kind people.
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