Many great novels of our time use symbols to portray messages and morals. A kings crown symbolizes his power of the kingdom, a heart symbolizes love and a dove symbolizes the holy spirit. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, one of the most recognizable symbols is the mockingbird. The mockingbird symbolizes a gentle kindness which we see in some characters. Both Tom Robinson and Scout are like the symbolic mockingbird. This idea of the mockingbird comes to our attention many times throughout the novel.

Many people in the town of Maycomb know why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. After Atticus allows Jem and Scout to have their own air rifles, he teaches them a very valuable lesson. He teaches them never to shoot at mockingbirds because that would be a sin. After Scout hears this from Atticus, she asks Miss Maudie about the subject...