In To Kill A Mockingbird how does society destroy its "mockingbirds"?

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readerofbooks | College Teacher | (Level 2) Educator Emeritus

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This questions gets to the heart of the tragedy of the book. Mockingbirds, as defined by the book, are people who only do good. Therefore, to harm one is a sin. To use the words of Miss Maudie:


So, how does society kill them? First, we see that Maycomb kills Tom Robinson, an innocent and good man, by its blind racism. Atticus points out that there is a disease in the town that turns reasonable people mad when race is involved. Here is what Atticus says:


Second, false religious beliefs can also harm mockingbirds, such as when Boo parents were excessively religious. They harmed their son, and so he became a recluse and dysfunctional person. Here is what Miss Maudie says about the Radleys:


Boo grew up in that type of environment. This caused him great pain. Fortunately for him, good people could see this. In the end of the book, the Finches and Heck Tate protect him. 

In conclusion, society kills its mockingbirds in various ways. Sometimes it is though blind racism, other times it it is through excessive religious beliefs, and other times it is through inaction, that is, not standing up for what is right. 


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