Mockingbird Motif

A motif is a reappearing object, idea, or arrangement in a peice of writing. Authors use motifs to show a main idea or theme throughout a novel or other writing. In To Kill a Mockingbird, for example, Harper Lee uses a reoccurring symbol throughout the novel of a mockingbird. Atticus tells his children in the story that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. Miss Maudie adds to this by saying, "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for the rest of us to enjoy." This helps enhance the mockingbird motif.

A metaphorical mockingbird is an innocent person who does things for the benefit of others. Two of the mockingbirds in the story are Tom Robinson and Boo Radley. Through revealing their similarities to mockingbirds, Harper Lee creates a closer feel for their lifestyles. A black man, Tom Robinson tries to do nothing but innocently help Mayella Ewell and is found guilty of raping her. Tom is a victim of unjust prejudice. Boo Radley stays in his house day after day, not harming anybody, but (if anything) helping them. Boo Radley helps Scout to grow in acceptance and understanding of differences. He helps her also to comprehend Atticus's words that she'd never understand another person until she stood in their shoes. These are just two examples of mockingbirds that Harper Lee uses to emphasize the major themes of the novel.

Scout: Compassion

In the selection I read of the dramatic reading, Scout realizes how Mayella Ewell "must have been the loneliest person in the world." And, as Tom Robinson continues his testimony, Scout sees that he will be punished for nothing but showing kindness to Mayella. Scout becomes compassionate toward Tom, but at the same time takes some pity on Mayella Ewell. The hands represent the sympathy Scout feels for others, even if the rest of Maycomb is too prejudiced to have kind feelings.

Life Lessons

I was only six when my sister left for college. As her nerves were building when she was preparing to move out, it seems everyone had some sort of advice for her. One of these helpful hints is perhaps the best life lesson I have ever learned. A saying my grandma often said was, "To have a friend, you have to be a friend." Although I didn't realize it at the time, my grandmother's simple yet wise cliché is something I will have with me for the rest of my life.

This powerful phrase is a motto that I do my best to follow. Whenever I don't know how to handle a situation, I can turn to this lesson, and my life becomes clearer. As I have grown older, I have realized how much an easy task such as being a friend can impact my life and the lives of people around me. Sometimes all people need is someone to be there, through thick and thin, including me. A friend will cheer me up on a bad day and laugh with meon a good day. A friend will be there for me when times are rough. And the best way to have someone there for me is to be there for them.