In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Tom Robinson, an innocent bird, is degraded and eventually killed by the court after being falsely accused of hideous crimes. His accuser, Mayella Ewell, is actually the person who is emotionally touched the most by Tom, but her dreadful home life and upbringing by a racist, alcoholic father forces her to accuse Tom falsely. It is Tom’s actions, honesty, and considerateness that make him a symbolic “black mockingbird,” and eventually lead to his death. Tom’s flight, innocence, bird song, and death demonstrate his role as a symbolic mockingbird.
Mockingbirds fly at a beautiful height with the utmost freedom. Similarly, Tom undergoes this flight too. When he tries to flee his jail cell, he gets executed. His flight is short and appalling. He flies to the heavens after he’s been shot. He helps others in need even when it would result in grave outcomes. His flight is demonstrated throughout the hearing. His flight away from the world provides him peace and prosperity. The struggle of staying in the jail cell for the rest of his life is gone. In a similar fashion, he dies while trying to escape jail. Although he died after he tried to escape he was already dead. It was obvious truth that he would be sentenced due to him being a black man and Mayella being a white woman. In the unruly court of Maycomb, it would be virtually impossible for Tom to win this case. He had realized that point and accepted his defeat prior. Therefore, he faced the charges even though he was innocent. Tom’s death was a horrific event and the outcome of racism. His death was more of a sacrifice as it brought change. Mayella wouldn’t be abused by her father since he had died after trying to kill Scout and Jem. Tom’s gift saved Mayella Ewell. His crucial sacrifice also helped Maycomb society. Some people in Maycomb realized the struggle of Tom and his case. Although it was too late to save Tom, they would be able to make a difference the next time this happens. Tom’s flight and death tie into his symbolic meaning.
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Mockingbirds chirp their own unique melody for others to enjoy. Mockingbirds don’t do anything but are peaceful to everyone. Just as mockingbirds sing, Tom sings to Mayella as well. His justification in court causes him to chirp his own song. He helps Mayella with little household chores because he felt bad for Mayella, who’s had a hard life growing up. Tom is very compassionate and caring towards others no matter their race. His song really elaborates on his true character in the novel. His peaceful song creates a tone in the courthouse displaying his values. He feels great joy by the unselfish deeds he’s done for Mayella. Tom’s song specifies his genuine thoughts and feelings about Mayella. Just as mockingbirds sing their song, they respent innocence as well. Tom is helping others out and is innocent like a mockingbird. He doesn’t intend to bring harm to others at all no matter their race. Mayella destroys his innocence. Mayella can be viewed as a “bluejay” as she follows its characteristics. Mayella attacks Tom and quells their joy of Tom. Mayella feels the guilt of overthrowing Tom’s innocence in the courtroom. His sympathy for Mayella is gone. Mayella’s guilt overcomes her and she feels like a horrible and terrible person. Her trust in Tom is lost. Tom’s song and innocence tie into his symbolic meaning.
Tom’s beautiful flight into the heavens, his sorrowful innocence as a mockingbird, his melodic song to Mayella, and his death from his sufferings all contribute to Tom being the symbolic mockingbird. The horrible accusations against him contradict his true character he truly is. Living in a racist society makes racism above the law. The court would ultimately never listen to Tom as he is a black man while Mayella is a white woman. In the racist courts of Maycomb, a white person would always be above a black person no matter how severe the case is. In a way, Tom is silenced by Mayella. Tom’s innocence is destroyed and killed by Mayella’s accusations. Mayella is however saved by Tom’s sacrifice and his sacrifice also makes the people of Maycomb rethink their decisions and make a better choice next time. Mayella, however, feels guilty for her accusations and loses her sympathy for Tom. She loses his trust and she ultimately feels bad about her actions. She is permanently affected by this for the rest of her life and will have the guilt always on the back of her head. Tom will forever hold a place within Mayella and be a part of her life forever. Tom’s flight, songs, innocence, and death are brought upon the racism of the court system.
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