In literature, symbols are used to represent ideas, concepts, or themes in a deeper and more complex way. One symbol that appears repeatedly in literature is the mockingbird. This symbol is often used to represent innocence and purity, as well as the idea of singing for the joy of it rather than for personal gain.
In Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," the mockingbird serves as a central symbol. The title of the book itself is a reference to the mockingbird, as the main character, Atticus Finch, explains that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird because they do nothing but sing for the enjoyment of others. This message is echoed throughout the novel as Atticus repeatedly tells his children, Scout and Jem, to "shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." This statement serves as a metaphor for the idea that it is wrong to harm or destroy those who do no harm and only bring joy to others.
In the novel, the character of Tom Robinson is seen as a mockingbird figure. Tom is a black man who is falsely accused of raping a white woman and is subsequently killed, despite being innocent. Tom's death serves as a reminder of the injustice and prejudice that exists in society, and the idea that those who are pure and innocent are often the ones who suffer the most.
The mockingbird symbol also appears in other works of literature, including "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald and "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. In "The Great Gatsby," the character of Daisy Buchanan is described as a "mockingbird" because she is seen as pure and innocent, despite the fact that she is actually selfish and manipulative. In "The Catcher in the Rye," the character of Phoebe is described as a mockingbird because of her innocence and pure nature, which contrasts with the cynicism and anger of the main character, Holden Caulfield.
In conclusion, the mockingbird is a powerful symbol that represents innocence and purity, as well as the idea of singing for the joy of it rather than for personal gain. This symbol appears in a variety of literary works and serves to remind readers of the importance of protecting those who are pure and innocent and the dangers of harming or destroying them.
