To Kill a Mockingbird: an Influential Story Essay Example

and Dill become fascinated and scared of their mysterious neighbor Boo Radley. Boo Radley, whose real name is Arthur Radley, was unjustly punished in his youth for a minor offense and was subsequently locked in his house by his father, preventing him from fully integrating into the community.

Throughout the novel, Boo Radley shows kindness to the children, though he remains unseen until the end (Bernard 70). In the same vein, Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman. Mayella is the daughter of Bob Ewell, an uneducated racist who is known for his abusive behavior towards Mayella, both physically and sexually. The destructive parenting style of Bob leads to a miserable life for Mayella. Like her father, she lacks education and is confined to the home to care for her siblings. The Ewell family, driven by their low social standing, resorts to exploiting a black man as the only means of gaining power in society (61). In stark contrast to the Ewells, Tom Robinson is characterized as a kind and hardworking individual (71).

Additional characters in the story include Calpurnia, the black housekeeper of the Finch family, and Miss Maudie, their open-minded neighbor. Like Atticus, both Calpurnia and Miss Maudie believe in racial equality, which sets them apart from many other characters in the story. Jem and Scout's aunt, Aunt Alexandra, takes great pride in her family's heritage. However, she is one of many individuals in the town who adhere to outdated social codes that create divisions based on race, class, and gender. Aunt Alexandra believes that there should be no interaction between different social groups. Similarly, Mrs.

Henry Lafayette

Dubose shares the belief in social class separation (Bernard 57-60). Born in 1926, Nelle Harper Lee was the youngest of Amasa Lee and Frances Finch Cunningham Lee’s four children. Growing up in Monroeville, Alabama, Harper Lee experienced a childhood environment similar to the one depicted in To Kill a Mockingbird. Throughout her upbringing, Harper Lee held her father in high regard. Amas Lee, an attorney known for his knowledge and formal conduct, received her admiration. Following college graduation, Harper Lee pursued a law degree at the University of Alabama with intentions to follow in her father's footsteps. However, she relocated to New York before completing her studies to pursue a career as a writer.

To Kill a Mockingbird was published in 1960, after Harper Lee completed a first draft in 1957 (Bernard 12-24). As an esteemed author, Lee found inspiration for her book from multiple sources such as childhood experiences, friends like Truman Capote, historical events, and societal attitudes. Dill's character is believed to be based on Lee's close friend Capote who also spent only summers with his family. Like Dill, Capote possessed the talent to weave complex stories and had wisdom that exceeded his age.

The novel portrays Atticus Finch, a highly esteemed and just lawyer, who was inspired by Harper Lee's own father (Bernard 12-15, 20 and 24). Additionally, Lee drew inspiration from real events of the 1930's, including the Scottsboro Trial. Occurring on March 25, 1931, the Scottsboro incident involved a confrontation between a group of white and black men, as well as two white women, while traveling by train from Tennessee to Alabama. This altercation resulted in the ejection of the white men

from the train (Bouchard 4).

The black men were arrested for vagrancy. To avoid being arrested for prostitution, the women accused the black men of rape (Bernard 30). The Scottsboro Trial and the trial of Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird draw clear parallels, as both involve a white woman falsely accusing a black man of rape (Johnson 4-5). Complications arise in both trials due to these false accusations (Johnson 5).

In both instances, the women originate from impoverished backgrounds. Victoria Price, one of the individuals embroiled in the Scottsboro Trial, was a recognized sex worker and dreaded facing arrest for her immoral behavior. As a result, she deceitfully implicated the men in rape to hide her own transgressions. Likewise, Mayella Ewell also originates from an underprivileged upbringing (7).

The reason for Mayella Ewell accusing Tom Robinson of rape is the desire to feel in control and powerful. This aligns with the case of the Scottsboro Trial in real life. Being part of the lower class, both women lack the sense and respectability of women from higher classes. Their upbringing and behavior contribute to their actions during questioning in court. The way both women react to the questions demonstrates that not only their accusations are being challenged, but also their ideals and way of life. It is evident that the heartless and irrational Mayella was inspired by Victoria Price.

Bouchard 5 When the nine African Americans in the Scottsboro case were arrested, they were brought to a jail. Hours later, farmers from nearby towns started to gather, and by nightfall, there was a crowd of hundreds of people in front of the jail, all urging for a lynching

to occur. The majority of those who assembled were impoverished white farmers. A similar scenario unfolds during the fictional trial of Tom Robinson. Upon his relocation to the city jail, a crowd from the neighboring town of Old Sarum forms outside the jail.

Fortunately, Atticus was present to protect the jail and ensure nothing untoward happened to Tom Robinson (Johnson 5-6). The jury composition for both trials was remarkably similar, excluding women and African Americans while also granting businessmen the option to be exempted from jury duty for any reason (Johnson 6). In the Scottsboro case, the commissioner asserted that neither black individuals nor women possessed the capability to serve on a jury. Additionally, he contended that despite numerous educated African Americans holding respectable occupations, they were lacking in sound judgment (7).

The composition of the jury in both the Scottsboro Trial and the fictional Trial of Tom Robinson results in a predetermined outcome (6). The defense in the Scottsboro case challenged Alabama's jury system for its exclusion of African Americans from serving on juries. This case made its way to the Supreme Court, where they ultimately ruled in favor of the Scottsboro defendants (6). These two cases have similarities that provide a more accurate portrayal of the events that occurred in the 1930s. During this time, discrimination and segregation persisted in society, with laws such as Jim Crow laws being enacted to deny African Americans their rights.

The novel's strong resemblance to the society of the 1930s, including the laws that were in place, allows readers to relate and has contributed to its success. Additionally, Harper Lee incorporates extensive symbolism in the novel, along with similarities to

her own life. This has allowed southern white men to gain power and dominance in society (Bouchard 6, Bernard 27).

The southern problems of the early twentieth century are depicted through symbolism in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. Characters' actions and specific words play a role in conveying different meanings (Smykowski 1). In Maycomb County, the citizens embody both positive and negative themes of racism in the south. Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose's insults towards African Americans not only reflect her own beliefs but also those of the entire Maycomb County (Smykowski 1).

After Mrs. Dubose makes a derogatory comment about Jem's father, he destroys her white camellia flowers as a symbol of his desire to dismantle the prejudiced beliefs of the white people in Maycomb County (Qtd. in Smykowski 1). Upon discovering Jem's actions, Atticus instructs him to care for the damaged flowers. Simultaneously, Jem and Scout are obliged to read to Mrs. Dubose.

Every day, Jem and Scout care for Mrs. Dubose's flowers to symbolize the nurturing of Jem's bravery and resilience against the hurtful remarks made about him and his family. Their visits to read to her also demonstrate their determination to combat the racist sentiment prevalent among their neighbors (Smykowski 1). Additionally, Aunt Alexandra's missionary teas incorporate racist symbolism. Mrs. Grace Merriweather, a friend of Aunt Alexandra, speaks about the dire living conditions faced by the Mrunas in Africa (Bouchard 7).

The Mrunas in Africa symbolize the black citizens of Maycomb County. It is ironic that the women are so concerned about issues in Africa while disregarding issues of racism in their own town. After the Tom Robinson Trial concludes, Aunt Alexandra tells Atticus

that Jem and Scout should not have been permitted to witness the trial. Atticus replies by saying that the children will have to accept and deal with it, as it is a part of Maycomb County just like the missionary teas. Atticus figuratively suggests that the missionary teas are equally racist as the trial.

The residents of Maycomb County are ignorant to the racism present in their daily lives (Smykowski 2). Both the actions of the adults and a dog serve as symbols. The rabid dog that menaced the town can be seen as a depiction of the wickedness of racism, as well as prejudice and its ability to spread like a disease. Atticus shooting the dog symbolizes his prowess as a lawyer and his ability to confront the racial biases within the community.

Atticus's act of killing the dog is viewed as heroic because it is seen as a means of eradicating racism and prejudice (Smykowski 2). This symbolism extends beyond the actions of adult citizens to include Jem and Scout. One winter day, after a light snow shower, the children build a snowman. However, they soon discover that they do not have enough snow. Jem improvises by constructing a foundation using dirt and then using the remaining snow to cover it up.

One interpretation suggests that by covering the dirt with snow, Jem is symbolically concealing a black man, highlighting the equality between white and black individuals. Alternatively, the snowman's composition of dirt and snow can represent an interracial relationship or mixed-race child. Later that evening, a fire consumed Miss Maudie Atkinson's house and melted the snowman. The symbolic significance of the fire can be understood

in two different ways.

The fire can symbolize the beliefs of Maycomb County's residents, indicating that blacks and whites are not equal. It could also suggest that having a biracial child is no different from having a black child, implying that neither situation is better (Smykowski 1). Harper Lee employs the symbolism of right and left throughout the novel to represent the positive and negative aspects of Maycomb County.

The comparison between right and left symbolism can be seen from the beginning of the novel. Scout mentions, "Jem’s left arm was somewhat shorter than his right; when he stood or walked, the back of his hand was at a right angle to his body" (Qtd. in Champion 1). Through this use of right symbolism, it is implied that Jem holds a morally upright perspective.

Throughout the novel, right vs. left symbolism is employed to convey moral values. This symbolism is prominently seen during the climactic court trial of Tom Robinson. Atticus, in his efforts to demonstrate Tom Robinson's innocence, raises the issue of Bob Ewell's alleged abuse of his daughter. Atticus presents evidence to the jury, pointing out his own crippled left arm as proof that it would have been physically impossible for Tom Robinson to have caused the bruise on the girl's right eye. Additionally, the fact that Bob Ewell signs a document with his left hand further supports Tom Robinson's innocence.

During the trial, symbolism is employed through the words "right" and "left". As Tom Robinson takes the stand, he raises his right hand to take his oath, highlighting the significance of truth. This action represents virtue and righteousness. At the same time, Atticus, who

has impaired vision in his left eye, directs his good right eye towards Mayella when questioning her. The usage of "good" and "right" in this context symbolizes wisdom, honesty, and moral uprightness (Champion 1). Within the courthouse setting, Miss Stephanie expresses a biased viewpoint on racial segregation by asking if it was "right close up there with all those niggers?".

The seating area in the courthouse mentioned in Champion 2 is where supporters of Tom Robinson, Atticus, and racial equality sit. The term "right" represents truth and goodness according to Champion 1-2. Conversely, the term "left" symbolizes immorality. Mayella Ewell, who has a bruised and swollen right eye, symbolically lacks moral vision due to her impairment. Her father, who physically assaulted her, signed a document with his left hand as a sign of his connection to immorality according to Champion 1-2.

The use of imagery is evident in both situations when Atticus shoots the rabid dog and Sheriff Tate comments on Atticus firing slightly to the right. Atticus acknowledges that he always does so, which represents his commitment to protecting the neighborhood. Additionally, the dog's uneven walk, with its right legs appearing shorter than the left, symbolizes the danger it poses to the community.

The term left also refers to the remnant of something. Scout mentions while observing a dog that he has made a decision and chosen to walk to the Finch's house with what remains of his mind. The rabid dog utilizes its remaining mental faculties to cause harm (Champion 1-2). Bouchard 10 Ultimately, the title of the story, To Kill a Mockingbird, carries significant symbolism.

According to Atticus, it is preferable to shoot at tin cans

in the backyard, but he knows that you will still go after birds. He allows you to shoot as many blue jays as you want, if you are able to hit them. However, he cautions that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird according to the quote by Atticus in Smykowski (2). Blue jays are known for being loud, territorial, and aggressive, and are considered a menace among birds.

Contrary to this is the innocent mockingbird, which only sings beautiful songs. The mockingbird symbolizes victims of oppression, particularly African Americans. The harmful blue jay, on the other hand, represents the evils of Maycomb County, including its many prejudice citizens (Smykowski 2). In the story, the mockingbird serves as a symbol for Tom Robinson and Boo Radley. Both of these men live innocent lives and would never cause harm to anyone. However, like a mockingbird, their fate is determined by the town (Johnson 36). The novel concludes with Scout and Jem being protected from Bob Ewell's attack by Boo Radley, which serves as a final reference to mockingbirds.

. Sheriff Tate tells them that it would be a sin to identify Boo Radley as the murderer upon their return home. Scout realizes that bringing a shy and bashful man to trial would be like killing a mockingbird (Sova 41). In the novel, Tom Robinson, Atticus, and Jem symbolize moral virtue and share equal ways. On the other hand, the rabid dog and Mayella and Bob Ewell represent the racist and cruel individuals in society. The book's success can be attributed in part to the similarities between Harper Lee's life and the Scottsboro Trial.

Through her use of characters

and their actions, as well as symbolism, Harper Lee has been able to create a highly successful novel in To Kill a Mockingbird.