Question; Describe one or more important symbols in the text you studied and analyze how the symbol helped develop ideas in the text. Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is a story of racial and class prejudice set in a time when such close-mindedness was considered acceptable and separate from everyday life in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. Narrated by and based on Scout (Jean Louise) Finch and the many trials she and her brother (Jem) face as they grow up; from the childhood innocence they once possessed to realize the true evils of their community and shed false pretenses surrounding the innocence of two characters such as Boo Radley and Tom Robinson whom the Maycomb community had long labeled and ridiculed for both their color and their peculiarity. behavioral models. Lee incorporates several different symbols within the text which help develop the ideas and beliefs held by both Scout and Jem such as; the Mockingbird, Mrs. Dubose's camellias and Mayella Ewell's red geraniums which all play an important role in children's conscience and sense of justice. A Mockingbird is an innocent animal that exists solely to make music, it does not harm or offend anyone around it but rather seeks to make life more pleasant. Scout and Jem's father tells them that they can "shoot all the Blue Jays you want, if you can hit them, but remember it's a shame to kill a Mockingbird" (p. 69). In To Kill A Mockingbird Boo Radley and Tom Robinson can be seen as Mockingbirds who are both peaceful people who would never dream of hurting another, however both of these characters are in a sense killed by the Maycomb community due to their attitudes and prejudicial beliefs. In contrast to the loud and dim...... middle of paper......nce of the playground that is her personality, such ideas and beliefs are also imprinted on Scout's developing personality. In conclusion within the text To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee there are a series of symbols used to represent the development of many corresponding ideas and beliefs held by the residents of Maycomb County, namely the Mockingbirds Boo Radley and Tom Robinson residing in the counties who continue to sing their songs of purity and innocence even in death (in Tom's case), Mrs. Dubose whose underlying courage was able to shine through her camellias and rub up against Jem or Mayella Ewell whose yard is populated by beautiful geraniums; symbolism played a huge role on their ideas and beliefs and those of the people around them, especially the narrator Scout Finch, whose entire outlook on life changed through the use of such symbolism.