At the end of chapter 25, about a week later after the news that Tom Robinson had been killed Mr. Underwood releases an editorial on Tom’s death. In the editorial Mr. Underwood did not hide his opinions and true emotions towards the case. He compared it to a “senseless slaughter of songbirds” (Lee 323). At first when Scout reads the editorial she is confused by why Mr. Underwood is so upset. She thought that it was fair that Tom was shot because he was trying to escape prison. After soaking it in, she realizes what Mr. Underwood meant and how the trial wasn't fair from the start. She realizes that “In the secret court’s of men’s hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth” (Lee 323). This is probably when Scout first realized the true extent of racism. Regardless of the amount of evidence Atticus had to prove that Tom was not guilty, he was still going to be sentenced. Although it would make sense that he was shot for trying to run away he wouldn't even have been in prison if it wasn't for racism. Tom is like the mockingbird because he did nothing wrong. He just did good for Maycomb, he sang, but he was killed just because of fear that the white community had towards the black community. The weapons that hunters and children use to (accidentally) kill mockingbirds represents the weapons that the white community thinks gives them power, authority, and control over the black community. What the white community doesn't realize or doesn't want to realize is that their weapon is actually made up of insecurity and fear.
In what way do you think Jem and Scout could be represented as a mockingbird?
I think Atticus can be represented as mockingbird in the way that he did nothing wrong but try to protect a man in an unjust community. Atticus has always been a fair man, he has always done his best to represent all of his clients equally despite race, gender, and social class. Aunt Alexandra explains, "[This town is] perfectly willing to let him do what they're too afraid of doing themselves" (Lee 316). Atticus is only benefiting the community by doing the dirty work they are unwilling to do, and in return they fire their hurtful words, snarky remarks, and racist slurs to make him feel bad and to emotionally wound him.
ReplyDeleteI think that Jem and Scout could be considered mockingbirds. They are both kind and they try to help people when they can. In chapter 10, Ms.Maudie said "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy…..That's why its a sin to kill a mockingbird." (Lee 119) This description fits Jem and Scout. They both do not harm others, and they are helpful and caring kids. For example, when Jem saw the knothole had been filled with cement, he was upset for Boo. He showed empathy and kindness, not harm. This is one of the characteristics of a mockingbird.
ReplyDeleteAdding on to what you said, I think that Jem and Scout could be considered mockingbirds in a sense that they got their innocence (kind of) taken away from them. They had to deal with racism which is real hard from a young age and had to be put in an awkward place in the society of Maycomb. Although, I don't think that Jem and Scout fully embodied the kindness and do goodness of a mockingbird until towards the end of the book. I think Scout's mockingbird moment was when Scout realizes that "Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opener her mouth and screamed" (Lee 323). She had finally understood that there are horrible people and beliefs in this world and in away she, the mockingbird in her died.
DeleteI think this chapter was especially surprising because Mr. Underwood expresses his feeling publicly. This event is very progressive for Maycomb because he is the first brave person to openly say what he is feeling. Mr. Underwood says what other people, but at the same time has his own beliefs. I think that is why he is respected by some people. Mr. Underwood represents the black community, the black community doesn't have the power to say what they feel so Mr. Underwood does for them. This moments was especially important because it showed that the tables are turning and integration is coming.
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