What is the significance of the title To Kill a Mockingbird and
how does it relate to the themes and characters in the novel?
The title To Kill a Mockingbird holds significant meaning in the novel, relating
to the themes and characters. The mockingbird is a symbol of innocence, and
it is a sin to kill or harm one. Harper Lee uses this symbol to illustrate the
harsh reality of life, where innocent beings are often harmed or destroyed.
One significant character linked to the mockingbird symbol is Tom Robinson,
who is falsely accused of the rape of a white woman. Like a mockingbird, Tom
is a kind and innocent man who is unjustly targeted and ultimately destroyed
by the cruel society in which he lives.
Another character linked to the mockingbird symbol is Boo Radley, who is
seen as a monster by the town's people. However, as Scout learns later on in
the novel, Boo is a kind and caring person looking out for the children, and it
would be a sin to harm him.
The novel's title can also be linked to Atticus's moral lesson to his children,
encouraging them to think from other people's perspectives and recognize the
good in them. By understanding and empathizing with others, they can avoid
causing harm and maintain peaceful harmony in society.
In conclusion, the title To Kill a Mockingbird is significant in the significance of
the novel, conveying the themes of innocence, the destruction of innocence,
and the importance of empathy and moral understanding in life.