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Comparing Tom Robinson and a Mockingbird

When we look at how Tom Robinson relates to Miss Maudie's ideas (early on in the book), we can see that Tom, like a mockingbird, is innocent and doesn't harm anyone. He helps Mayella Ewell without any ill intentions, just like how mockingbirds contribute to the beauty of the world through their songs without causing any harm. Tom Robinson reflects the innocence and goodness that Miss Maudie associates with mockingbirds. This shows that he is a victim of prejudice, much like how mockingbirds are unfairly treated despite their innocence.

"Mockingbirds dont do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, dont nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us" (Lee) This quote emphasizes the purity of how they are innocent creatures that bring joy without causing any harm.

"Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" (Lee). This quote explains how everyone accepts and acknowledges that mockingbirds are innocent creatures and how they shouldn't be harmed because they don't cause any harm themselves.