Tori Haggit

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Mr. Starkey
Gifted English 9
10 October 2016
The Tracing of Innocence
What does innocence represent? Does innocence embody the lack of guilt, as when a man is convicted of a
crime he didn't commit? Or is innocence the unintended harm to something or someone: a hurtful comment? Most
of all, does innocence illustrate a pure or naive person, such as a young child unaware of the cruel culture she exists
within. All of these traits are found in the novel To Kill
a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The mockingbird itself is a
symbol for innocence. Its purity manifests in many of the characters. The author explores the complex meaning of
innocence within the realms of a prejudice society.
The mockingbird is defined as innocent with the explanation from Miss Maudie. Mockingbirds don't do one
thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat at people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one
thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird (Lee 103). Mockingbirds are
represented as undefiled creatures unwilling to do harm to people, this is why they symbolize purity. Many
characters in the book are mockingbirds. Boo Radley is one of them. The neighbors of Boo make assumptions
about the way he lives, looks, and acts even though they havent seen him since the incident between him and Mr.
Connor. ... He dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch, thats why his hands were bloodstained... There
was a long jagged scar that ran across his face; what teeth he had were yellow and rotten; his eyes popped, and he
drooled most of the time (Lee 14). Jem tells Scout what Boo Radley looks like even though he has never seen him
before. The town makes up things to satisfy their curiosity. This is why Boo is represented as a mockingbird. He
has
stayed inside for many years and is accused of a multitude of things when he hasnt even left the house.
Scout portrays a mockingbird because she is unaware of the harmful environment she is surrounded in and
how to behave within it. Then he ducked his head. Atticus shook his head at me again. But he's gone and
drowned his dinner and syrup, I protested. He's poured it all over (Lee 27). Scout doesn't know how to treat
guests that come to her house. She is oblivious to the fact that even though she may have a higher social rank, he is

her guest and can do what he pleases. Well, Atticus, I was just sayin to you Mr. Cunningham that
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entailment are bad an all that, but you said not to worry, it take a long time sometimes (Lee 175). Scout doesn't
understand whats going on. She doesnt realize that her father could be in danger, but tries to make light of the
situation.
Tom Robinson is considered a mockingbird in addition to Boo Radley and Scout. He is condemned for
beating and raping Mayella Ewell when in reality he never laid a hand on her. ...Atticus was trying to show, it
seemed to me, that Mr. Ewell could have beaten up Mayella. That much I could follow. If her right eye was blacked
and she was beaten mostly on the right side of the face, it would tend to show that a left-handed person did it (Lee
202). Atticus is showing the jury that a left-handed person committed this crime, but Tom Robinson has no use of
his left hand. Thomas Robinson reached around, ran his fingers under his left arm and lifted it (Lee 216). He has
to list his left arm up in order to move it. Atticus has proved reasonable doubt in the juror's mind. Tom verbally
communicates he did not touch Mayella Ewell when Atticus questions him.
Tom, did you rape Mayella Ewell?
I did not, suh.
Did you harm her in any way?
I did not, suh (Lee 221).
This verifies that Tom is innocent, but he is being tried in the heart of the south with his word against a white man's.
The mockingbird's theme can be traced in the novel. Its meaning of innocence is exhibited through the
characters of Boo Radley, Tom Robinson and Scout Finch. For Scout, she doesnt understand how to act or behave
in the community or certain situations. Tom Robinson was innocent of the crime he was tried for, but was still found
guilty because of the racist community he lived in. Boo Radley was blameless of his accusations and hadnt done
anything he was criticized for. These ideas are explored in the boundaries of a racist community where innocence
isnt much of value.