ESSAY: Explain the significance of the title, To Kill a Mockingbird.

The title To Kill a Mockingbird is very significant to the novel as it portrays many forms of mockingbirds throughout it. As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that Boo Radley and Tom Robinson are the true Mockingbirds of the story. They both are innocent from the accusations claimed upon them.

When choosing the title of the novel, Harper Lee had to make sure it stood out but also was relevant to the story. To Kill a Mockingbird shows the readers an unusual and interesting title that stirs their interest. Also that throughout the story it will symbolise something of importance. The readers are lead to believe that the phrase ‘to kill a mockingbird’ …show more content…

The points Atticus stated in the court case clearly showed that Tom Robinson was innocent of all charge. However, this did not win the jury over because he was charged guilty, and then killed. When Tom dies, it symbolises the death of a mockingbird; the loss of innocence. This section shows racial injustice and symbolises the struggle a mockingbird has in its daily fight for survival. This statement also refers to black people in general in To Kill a Mockingbird. I believe black people of the 1930’s were known as happy people that sang and danced. They were once used as slaves and many white folk in the novel still believed they didn’t deserve the right to become a part of the normal white society. Just because of the black person’s skin colour, the white people would gather in groups and lynch them and people would show their disgust and disrespect towards them, and so Negro’s are also mockingbirds of the story. They were innocent of harming a white person, yet they were mentally and physically harmed by white people. In the story Atticus’ sister, Alexandra, was at first racist and showed inequality towards Calpurnia. Even though Calpurnia was an innocent respectful lady who had never personally done anything to offend Alexandra, Alexandra was willing to fire her because she was putting a black influence on the children. In this situation,