Discuss Harper Lees use of symbolism in the title and how it reflects to the entire text.

Inof ,refuses to
teachandhow to use their new air rifles from Uncle Jack. He tells the kids he's not interested
in guns and says these famous lines to Jem:

I'd rather you
shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you'll go after birds. Shoot all the bluejays you
want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.

Miss Maudie echos this sentiment when Scout asks her about her
father's request.

Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make
music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't
do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a
mockingbird.

The point of the mockingbird is to reinforce
the theme of innocence. The mockingbird does nothing wrong; it harms no one. But it does make
beautiful music for all to hear, giving something to the world without taking anything in
return. The mockingbird becomes a symbol of innocence, hope, and beauty.

However, it also symbolizesin the story. Tom Robinson andare twowho harm no one yet
become victims of society through legend, gossip, and prejudice.

It seems Lee
wanted to send the message that we need to stop causing harm to those minding their own business
and to focus on ourselves. Tom is a symbol of the black community, which already endured slavery
in this country. Now, he is being framed for a crime he couldn't possibly have committed, and he
is convicted by a racist journey. He is the mockingbird.

You also have the
Radley family, who don't follow the same routines as the rest of the town, such as going to
church and spending time outside. They, too, especially with Boo Radley's withdrawal, become a
family that represents the mockingbird, for they do nothing to harm or bother anyone. Boo is
kind to the kids on numerous occasions, but gossip and legend distort his compassion. He is also
a mockingbird.

Focus on those quotes and decide what the theme of the story
means to you. Using the characters, connect their experiences to the symbol of the mockingbird
and the theme it conveys.