Mocking birds are also a symbol of vulnerability; this is highlighted in both implicit and explicit ways. An explicit reference of this is when Mr Underwood writes an article about Tom’s death the day after; he likens it to the ‘senseless slaughter of songbirds.’ This means mocking birds are vulnerable to those who wish to slaughter them. Mr Underwood’s racist attitudes change at this point in the novel and he begins to believe that Tom is innocent and was only persecuted because of his race. He realises because of the colour of his skin he was at a disadvantage and therefore more vulnerable to others. The implicit reference linking mocking birds to vulnerability is when Scout tries to reassure Atticus that Bob Ewell fell on his knife and the fact that Boo should be left alone and not showered with gifts because of his courageous actions. Scout says, ‘Well it’d sort of be like shootin’ a Mockingbird, wouldn’t it?’ by doing this she is relating Boo to a mocking bird because he is vulnerable and to draw attention towards a vulnerable person would be a sin in itself, as Heck Tate claims.
When the mocking bird sings it brings harmony to the atmosphere and is a symbol of beauty. In Chapter 28, when Scout and Jem are on their way to the pageant, Scout reports that the mocking bird ‘pours out his repertoire in blissful unawareness of whose tree he sat in, 'as they pass a tree by the Radley place. The mocking bird is highlighting its innocence in that it doesn’t understand whose tree it is sitting in and that it could be a threat to its existence.
Many of the main characters in the book have the characteristics of a mocking bird. One of the most explicit references to a mocking bird is Atticus’ name, Finch. A mocking bird is a type of Finch and by calling him Atticus Finch, it makes a direct connection between the bird and the character. Atticus’ job is that of a lawyer, in the courtroom he fights for equality and anti-racism, by doing this he imitates the opinions of the people in Maycomb. Aunt Alexandra reveals her opinions on his about the rest of the county, when she says, ‘I mean this town. They’re perfectly willing to let him do what they’re afraid to do themselves.’ She claims this when she is upset and feels the need to release her emotion, which is not shown by her in the novel. He also recreates the actions of a bird; for example, when he focuses on people he only uses his single ‘good’ eye, just as a bird would do as their eyes are on the sides of their heads.
However, the mocking bird is particularly associated with two characters, Boo Radley and Tom Robinson. There are many parallels between these two characters; they have much in common. They serve the purpose that people are not so easily judged despite the towns preconceived notions of them both, they aren’t what others think of them and don’t have the power to fight back because of their vulnerability. No one truly knows them but they make outrageous claims nonetheless.
Since no one sees Boo Radley, it is easy to make accusations and spread rumours about him. He is reclusive and introverted, he shys away from the town, which gives them free reign to make up stories about him, for example, the children believes ‘he eats raw cats and squirrels, so his hands would be permanently blood-stained’. Tom Robinson is a black man who is persecuted because of the stereotypical society he lives in, which has been like it for so many years. In the county, white men and women have always feared black males and the power they hold. This is perpetuated in the courtroom by stories of white women being raped by black men, this is highlighted when Mayella Ewell, a white woman, makes a charge of rape against Tom Robinson. Tom’s judgement comes not from the facts but the stereotypes that clouded every jury member and every white citizen of the town. In this way he is vulnerable to white people. Nobody takes the time to understand Tom but only fear and hate him wrongly.
Both are persecuted, Tom is vulnerable to white people and their prejudices because of this he is jailed and sentenced to death. Boo is vulnerable because of his characteristics and the fact he is a recluse and chooses to stay inside. This makes him easily persecuted by the children and the people of Maycomb, when they make stories and gossip about him.
Boo Radley was dominated by his father, as he was ‘locked in the court-house basement’ and wasn’t seen for fifteen years after he was arrested for being a member of the ‘nearest thing to a gang’ in Maycomb. This has made him into a shadow of a human being and caused him to stay inside for his entire life. The white citizens of Maycomb equally dominate Tom Robinson throughout his life, throughout his trial and when he is sent to prison. Such domination led Tom to try and escape from prison and in doing so cause his death.
Both characters are caring, for example, Boo Radley gives Jem and Scout two figurines, chewing gum, a tarnished medal, pocket watch and an aluminium knife via a knot-hole in a tree in the Radley property. However, Mr Radley cements the hole so Boo cannot send gifts to the children anymore, this is also an example of Boo’s domination. Tom Robinson helps Mayella Ewell on her property do many chores, as he feels sorry for her. On the evening of his accused crime he was asked by Mayella to fix a door in the house. He never accepted any money from Mayella for doing these tasks. In this way he is alike a mocking bird, he is caring. Harper Lee uses all these devices to accentuate the symbol of a mocking bird.
By Louise Collins