"innocence" the essay is about comparing the innocence of mockingbirds to the innocence of the characters in the novel "to kill a mockingbird"

Essay by babygurl325High School, 10th gradeA, January 2004

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In Harper Lee's novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, Boo Radley, Tom Robinson, and Scout Finch display innocence, a quality of a mockingbird, through their words and actions. By the end of the book, Scouts perspective on life develops from that of a small, innocent child to that of a mature young person. Tom Robinson's naïve nature shows throughout the novel, especially during the trial when he claims to feel sorry for Mayella, a white person. Boo's innocence shines through the chapters with his child like features, such as leaving gifts in the tree for Scout and Jem.

Arthur "Boo" Radley, an example of a mockingbird, does nothing but take care of the children. Despite all the crazy stories and rumors heard around town Boo cares and loves the kids very much. An intelligent child emotionally damaged by his cruel father, Boo provides an example of the threat that evil poses to innocence and goodness.

He leaves Jem and Scout presents and saves their lives while risking his own. Scout notices that to hurt Arthur "is sort of like shootin' a mockingbird" (pg. 282). She finally realizes the love and protection he offered her and jem as she stands on his porch in the last chapter when she walks him home. As one of the novel's "mockingbirds," Boo's a good person injured by the evil of mankind.

Like Tom Robinson Boo never intentionally harms anyone, until he saves the children in the woods by fighting Bob Ewell off.

Tom Robinson's naïve nature prevents him from getting out of jail when he mentions to feel sorry for Mayella, Bob Ewell's daughter, which he's accused of raping. Tom never harms anything or anyone. The only mistake Tom made is offering to help Mayella and chop wood for her. Mayella accused Tom...