Title Analysis

Title: To Kill a Mockingbird

Meaning of a Mockingbird

• A mockingbird is a grey-and-white bird that imitates the sounds it hears.
• It does not cause harm; it only provides pleasure through its song.
• In the novel, the people of Maycomb believe that harming a mockingbird is wrong because it represents innocence.

Symbolism in the Novel

• To kill a mockingbird means destroying innocence or harming someone who has done no wrong.
• Two key characters symbolise mockingbirds:
  • Boo Radley – A kind but misunderstood man who is judged unfairly.
  • Tom Robinson – An innocent man falsely accused and punished due to racism.

Key Vocabulary

• Mocking – Imitating sounds. Can also mean teasing someone in a cruel way.
• Symbolism – The use of objects or characters to represent deeper meanings in a story.