The Crucial Role of Symbols In To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, the central themes and ideas of the novel are emphasized by subtle symbols. The symbols shown in the novel not only represent concrete objects but also the characters' ideas, feelings, beliefs and attitudes. Some symbols even represent more than one thing. Lee's recurring use of symbols contributes to the novel's underlying themes and ideas. Lee's unusual title is itself a symbol and keeps the reader in suspense as they wait for a thrush to enter the story. Symbols contribute to literature by causing the reader to examine the work and look for meanings other than the literal. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the use of symbols plays a crucial role in the development of the novel. One of the first major symbols to emerge in the novel is Tim Johnson, a mad dog infected with rabies. Just as the dog is infected with rabies, the people of Maycomb County are “infected” with racism (Jones 54). When Tom Robinson is tried, convicted, and ultimately killed for a crime he didn't commit, no one in town seems to show sympathy or remorse for him except Atticus. Atticus describes the people of Maycomb as “mad dogs he has to deal with” defending Tom (Lee 103). To further demonstrate the symbol, Atticus is the person called to shoot and kill Tim Johnson. This action by the people of Maycomb shows their deep trust in Atticus. While Atticus shoots and kills the mad dog, he also shoots and kills racism in Maycomb as he steps up and defends Tom Robinson with all his power. Through this action, Atticus is attempting to protect his neighbors from the anger as he wishes he could… middle of paper… and the Boos are creepy. It's obvious that Harper Lee chose them both as her mockingbirds. Lee's choice of such an unusual title is simply another symbol present in the novel. Lee's use of symbols is central to the development of his novel. Symbols give structure and hidden meaning to the text. As the reader contemplates the use of symbolism, the main theme always emerges: it is a sin to kill a thrush. Works Cited Erisman, Fred. “Harper Lee's Romantic Regionalism.” Alabama Review, April 26, 1973: 122-36. Johnson, Claudia. “The Secret Courts of Men's Hearts: Code and Law in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.” Studies in American Fiction (1991): 129-139. Jones, Carolyn. "Atticus Finch and the Mad Dog." The Southern Summer Quarterly 1996: 56-63. Lee, Harper. To kill a thrush. New York City, New York: JBLippincott Company, 1960.