“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a classic novel by Harper Lee that was published in 1960. The novel is set in the 1930s in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, and follows the story of a young girl named Scout Finch. The novel deals with themes of racism, prejudice, and justice, and has become a staple in American literature.
One of the most notable aspects of “To Kill a Mockingbird” is its use of allegory. Many of the characters and events in the novel are symbolic of larger issues and ideas, such as the racial tensions of the time period. The character of Atticus Finch, for example, is often seen as a symbol of justice and morality, while the mockingbird is a symbol of innocence and purity. Understanding the allegorical elements of the novel can deepen one’s appreciation for its themes and messages.
In this article, we will explore the allegorical elements of “To Kill a Mockingbird” and how they contribute to the novel’s overall impact. By examining the symbolism and deeper meanings behind the characters and events, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the novel’s themes and messages.
Historical Context of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’
The Great Depression
To Kill a Mockingbird is set during the Great Depression in the 1930s. The Great Depression was a time of economic hardship in the United States and around the world. Many people lost their jobs and homes, and poverty was widespread. This context is important to the novel because it helps to explain the poverty and social inequality that many of the characters face, especially the African American characters.
Jim Crow Laws
Jim Crow laws were state and local laws in the United States that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans from the late 1800s to the mid-1960s. These laws were a response to the end of slavery and the growing civil rights movement, and they were designed to maintain white supremacy and prevent African Americans from achieving social, economic, and political equality. To Kill a Mockingbird is set during a time when Jim Crow laws were still in effect, and the novel explores the impact of these laws on African Americans and their white allies.
Scottsboro Trials
The Scottsboro Trials were a series of criminal trials in the 1930s in which nine African American young men were falsely accused of raping two white women. The trials were a major civil rights issue at the time, and they helped to bring attention to the injustices of the Jim Crow system. To Kill a Mockingbird is often seen as a response to the Scottsboro Trials, and the novel explores similar themes of racial injustice, false accusations, and the struggle for justice and equality.
Main Allegories in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’
The Mockingbird as a Symbol of Innocence
One of the most prominent allegories in “To Kill a Mockingbird” is the mockingbird itself. As Atticus Finch explains to his children, mockingbirds do not harm anyone and only bring joy through their songs. In the novel, the mockingbird represents innocence and purity. It is a symbol of those who are defenseless and vulnerable, and who do not deserve to be harmed.
Boo Radley and the Theme of Judgement
Another important allegory in “To Kill a Mockingbird” is the character of Boo Radley. Boo is a recluse who is misunderstood and feared by the people of Maycomb. He is the subject of many rumors and gossip, and is judged harshly by the residents of the town. Boo represents the theme of judgement in the novel. He is an example of how people can be judged unfairly based on rumors and hearsay, and how this can lead to prejudice and discrimination.
Atticus Finch as the Moral Compass
Atticus Finch is another allegorical figure in “To Kill a Mockingbird”. He is a lawyer who is committed to justice and fairness, and who is willing to defend those who are wrongly accused. Atticus represents the moral compass of the novel. He is a symbol of integrity and honesty, and serves as a role model for his children and for the other residents of Maycomb.
Character Analysis and Allegorical Roles
Atticus Finch: Integrity and Ethics
Atticus Finch serves as the moral compass of the novel, embodying integrity and ethics in a town plagued by prejudice and racism. As a lawyer, he defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape, despite knowing that his chances of winning the case are slim. Atticus’s unwavering commitment to justice and fairness, even in the face of adversity, makes him a symbol of hope and righteousness in the novel.
Tom Robinson: Racial Injustice Victim
Tom Robinson is a black man who becomes the victim of racial injustice in the town of Maycomb. He is falsely accused of raping a white woman and is subsequently put on trial. Despite a lack of evidence and inconsistencies in the accuser’s story, Tom is found guilty by an all-white jury. Tom’s character represents the countless innocent black men who were wrongly accused and convicted of crimes they did not commit during the Jim Crow era.
Scout Finch: Innocence and Growth
Scout Finch is the narrator and protagonist of the novel. She begins the story as a naive and innocent six-year-old girl who is unaware of the racial tensions and injustices in her town. As the story progresses, Scout witnesses the prejudice and bigotry of the people around her and begins to understand the complexity of the world she lives in. Through her experiences, Scout learns valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Racial Prejudice and Its Allegorical Significance
Maycomb’s Social Hierarchy
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a novel that explores the theme of racial prejudice in society. The novel is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, which is divided into social classes based on race and wealth. The African American community is at the bottom of the social hierarchy, and they are treated unfairly by the white community.
The Trial of Tom Robinson
The trial of Tom Robinson, a black man who is falsely accused of raping a white woman, is a significant event in the novel. The trial highlights the racial prejudice and injustice that exists in Maycomb. Despite the lack of evidence against Tom, the all-white jury finds him guilty, solely based on his race.
The Missionary Society
The Missionary Society is a group of white women in Maycomb who gather to discuss their efforts to convert the African American community to Christianity. The society’s actions are an allegory for the white community’s attempt to “civilize” the black community. The society’s hypocrisy is exposed when they are more concerned with the appearance of helping the African American community than actually helping them.
Moral Lessons and Philosophical Themes
Empathy and Understanding
To Kill a Mockingbird is a book that teaches the importance of empathy and understanding. The novel’s protagonist, Scout, learns to see the world through other people’s eyes and understand their struggles. This is exemplified in Scout’s relationship with Boo Radley, who is initially feared by the children in the neighborhood. However, as Scout gets to know Boo, she realizes that he is just a lonely man who has been misunderstood by society. The novel teaches readers that it is important to look beyond the surface and try to understand others.
Courage and Conviction
To Kill a Mockingbird also explores the themes of courage and conviction. The novel’s hero, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer who defends a black man in a racially charged trial. Despite the odds being against him, Atticus remains steadfast in his belief that justice should be served. The novel teaches readers that it takes courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
Loss of Innocence
Finally, To Kill a Mockingbird deals with the theme of loss of innocence. The novel’s title is a metaphor for the loss of innocence that Scout experiences as she grows up and learns about the injustices of the world. The trial of Tom Robinson and the events that follow force Scout to confront the harsh realities of racism and injustice. The novel teaches readers that the loss of innocence is a necessary part of growing up and that it is important to confront the harsh realities of the world.
Literary Devices and Techniques
Symbolism
One of the most prominent literary devices used in To Kill a Mockingbird is symbolism. Throughout the novel, Harper Lee uses various symbols to represent abstract concepts and themes. For instance, the mockingbird is a symbol of innocence and goodness, which is why it is a sin to kill one. The oak tree in front of the Radley house symbolizes the isolation and loneliness of Boo Radley. The mad dog that Atticus shoots represents the danger of racism and prejudice in Maycomb.
Foreshadowing
Another literary technique used in To Kill a Mockingbird is foreshadowing. Lee uses foreshadowing to hint at events that will occur later in the novel. For example, the mention of the mad dog in Chapter 10 foreshadows the trial of Tom Robinson in Chapter 21. Similarly, the incident with the fire at Miss Maudie’s house foreshadows the trial verdict and the destruction of innocence in Maycomb.
Irony
Irony is also a prevalent literary device in To Kill a Mockingbird. Lee uses irony to highlight the hypocrisy and injustice of the society in Maycomb. For instance, the fact that Tom Robinson is found guilty despite the overwhelming evidence of his innocence is a tragic irony. The fact that Bob Ewell, who is a known liar and abuser, is believed over Tom Robinson is also an example of situational irony. Finally, the fact that Boo Radley, who is initially seen as a monster, ends up being the hero of the novel is a dramatic irony.
Critical Reception and Impact
Modern Relevance
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a novel that has stood the test of time and continues to be relevant in modern times. The novel is an allegory that explores issues of racism, prejudice, and injustice in the American South during the 1930s. The novel’s themes are still relevant today, as the world continues to struggle with issues of racial inequality. The novel’s message of empathy and understanding is still relevant today, as it encourages readers to see the world from different perspectives and to fight against injustice.
Literary Achievements
To Kill a Mockingbird has been widely praised for its literary achievements. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961, and has since become a classic of American literature. The novel’s writing style is simple and elegant, and its characters are well-developed and memorable. The novel’s themes are explored in a nuanced and thoughtful way, and the novel’s message is conveyed in a way that is both powerful and moving.
Cultural Influence
To Kill a Mockingbird has had a significant cultural influence since its publication in 1960. The novel has been adapted into a successful film, and has been translated into over 40 languages. The novel has been widely taught in schools and universities around the world, and has become a cultural touchstone for many. The novel’s themes of justice, equality, and empathy have inspired generations of readers to fight against injustice and to work towards a more equal and just society.