The phrase “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” is a metaphorical statement from Harper Lee’s classic novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird.” This piece will delve into unpacking this profound statement, its implications in the book, and its relevance to our society today.
The Origin of the Phrase
The phrase “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” is one of the most famous quotes from Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Miss Maudie, a neighbor and friend to the Finch family, tells the young protagonists, Scout and Jem:
“Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
In this context, the mockingbird is a harmless creature that only provides pleasure with its song. Killing such a creature that does nothing but bring joy and harmony would indeed be a sin.
Symbolism of the Mockingbird
The mockingbird in the novel symbolizes innocence, purity, and goodness. Harper Lee uses this metaphor to explore the themes of prejudice, discrimination, and injustice in society.
In the story, the ‘mockingbirds’ are characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, who despite their inherent goodness, become victims of the prejudices and injustices of their society. Tom Robinson, an African-American man falsely accused of a crime he did not commit, stands as a glaring example of this metaphor. Despite his innocence, he is convicted purely based on racial bias. Similarly, Boo Radley is a recluse, misunderstood and feared by many in the town, despite his kind-hearted nature.
The Sin of Killing Innocence
The sin here is not just the physical act of killing. It extends to the destruction of innocence, goodness, and purity in any form. This is a commentary on how society often harms innocent and defenseless individuals. The conviction and subsequent death of Tom Robinson represent a ‘killing of a mockingbird’. This metaphorical killing is a result of societal prejudice and systemic racism.
The Relevance Today
Unfortunately, the metaphorical killing of mockingbirds is not confined to the pages of Lee’s novel. It is still a relevant issue, with numerous ‘mockingbirds’ falling victim to societal prejudice, discrimination, and injustice.
Racial bias, social inequality, and systemic injustices continue to affect many people worldwide. These issues cause harm to innocent individuals who, like the mockingbirds, only wish to live their lives in harmony.
Breaking the Cycle
In the novel, Scout and Jem are guided by their father, Atticus Finch, who encourages them to appreciate the goodness in people and fight against injustice. He tells them:
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
This quote serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy in breaking the cycle of prejudice and discrimination. Understanding others’ perspectives is a crucial step towards eliminating biases and promoting social justice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” is a profound statement that serves as a metaphor for the destruction of innocence, goodness, and purity. It is a call to protect and value these qualities in individuals and society at large. In our world today, where ‘mockingbirds’ are still being ‘killed’, it is an important reminder to fight against prejudice, discrimination, and injustice. By fostering understanding and empathy, we can hope to create a world where no mockingbirds are killed.