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Prejudice and Tolerance 
  • In an editorial, the news writer Mr. Underwood “likened Tom’s death to the senseless slaughter of songbirds by hunters and children” (275).  Considering the book’s title, how is Tom Robinson a mockingbird?  Is anyone else?  Explain.
Posted by On 13 October, 2014 at 11:14 AM  25 Comments

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Jada H. (Guest) said On 12 November, 2015 at 7:29 PM
Tom Robinson was considered a mockingbird because he was slaughtered for doing nothing but trying to live his life. Atticus tells the kids that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird bird because they do no harm to anyone. They are slaughtered by children and hunters for just living jusut as Tom Robinson was. Atticus was a Mockingbird in a sense that he honestly just was trying to teach something to his kids. He just wanted his kids to see that not being prejudice was okay and having racial preferences werent right. In a way, you can honestly say that the whole Finch family were Mockingbirds. They all fit the description that Atticus gave which was that mockingbirds dont do anyhting but make beaautiful music and in a a sin to kill them.  
Emma S. (Guest) said On 12 November, 2015 at 12:28 PM
Tom Robinson is like a mockingbird because mockingbirds are innocent and peaceful animals, and in the book Tom is an innocent character. In the quote when it talks about the "senseless slaughter," it relates to Tom because he is being punished for his false accusations, and it relates for an innocent mockingbird being killed.   
Emma S. (Guest) said On 12 November, 2015 at 12:20 PM
Tom Robinson is like a mockingbird because mockingbirds are innocent and peaceful animals, and in the book Tom is an innocent character. In the quote when it talks about the "senseless slaughter," it relates to Tom because he is being punished for his false accusations, and it relates for an innocent mockingbird being killed.   
Alexis B. (Guest) said On 12 November, 2015 at 11:58 AM
Mockingbirds are described as innocent and peaceful birds that only give good things to the world like music. You can describe Tom in a similar way. Tom helped others when they were in need and he was innocent and had a good heart. That could be proven because the person he used to work for said that Tom never gave him any trouble. Just like killing a mockingbird is senseless because they did nothing wrong it was senseless to kill or even treat anyone the way Tom Robinson was treated. Another person that you could say is a mockingbird is Atticus Finch. Atticus Finch is a good man with good morals and values. Atticus is not prejudice, like most people in Maycomb are. This relates Atticus to being a mockingbird because he is an innocent person. He does have faults but for the most part he has a level head and he is fair. In the book, because Atticus is not prejudice and defends Tom Robinson to the fullest extent he becomes an enemy to certain people. Even though Atticus was not killed I relate his life to a mockingbird because his life was threatened just for being a good innocent man and there is no justice in him being killed.  
Donna B (Guest) said On 12 November, 2015 at 11:57 AM
During the beginning of the book Atticus says,“Shoot all the blue-jays you want, if you cant hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird." This is because all mockingbirds are innocent. Tom Robinson is basically another mockingbird. He has done nothing wrong and however he still got shot down and killed. Another character that could be a mockingbird is Boo Radley. Everybody was spreading rumors that he killed his mother but nobody has anybody proof. Everything he has done to protect and help the Finches proved that he is a good man. So if Boo got killed, it would be a sin since he has done nothing wrong.   
Zoha E (Guest) said On 11 November, 2015 at 7:41 PM
In a way, Tom Robinson is a mockingbird. Scout and Jem learned that it was a sin to kill mockingbirds because they never do anything to harm anyone. Tom never committed the crimes he was accused of doing, yet still went to jail. He was later shot, even though he was completely innocent. Another example of a mockingbird is Boo Radley. Boo never did anything to hurt anyone either. But rumors were constantly spread around about him, making him seem evil.   
Zoha E (Guest) said On 11 November, 2015 at 7:39 PM
In a way, Tom Robinson is a mockingbird. Scout and Jem learned that it was a sin to kill mockingbirds because they never do anything to harm anyone. Tom never committed the crimes he was accused of doing, yet still went to jail. He was later shot, even though he was completely innocent. Another example of a mockingbird is Boo Radley. Boo never did anything to hurt anyone either. But rumors were constantly spread around about him, making him seem evil.   
Zoha E (Guest) said On 11 November, 2015 at 7:38 PM
In a way, Tom Robinson is a mockingbird. Scout and Jem learned that it was a sin to kill mockingbirds because they never do anything to harm anyone. Tom never committed the crimes he was accused of doing, yet still went to jail. He was later shot, even though he was completely innocent. Another example of a mockingbird is Boo Radley. Boo never did anything to hurt anyone either. But rumors were constantly spread around about him, making him seem evil.   
Alexis B. (Guest) said On 11 November, 2015 at 6:59 PM
Mockingbirds are described as innocent and peaceful birds that only give good things to the world like music. You can describe Tom in a similar way. Tom helped others when they were in need and he was innocent and had a good heart. That could be proven because the person he used to work for said that Tom never gave him any trouble. Just like killing a mockingbird is senseless because they did nothing wrong it was senseless to kill or even treat anyone the way Tom Robinson was treated. Another person that you could say is a mockingbird is Atticus Finch. Atticus Finch is a good man with good morals and values. Atticus is not prejudice, like most people in Maycomb are. This relates Atticus to being a mockingbird because he is an innocent person. He does have faults but for the most part he has a level head and he is fair. In the book, because Atticus is not prejudice and defends Tom Robinson to the fullest extent he becomes an enemy to certain people. Even though Atticus was not killed I relate his life to a mockingbird because his life was threatened just for being a good innocent man and there is no justice in him being killed.  
Rohan M (Guest) said On 11 November, 2015 at 3:59 PM
Tom is a mockingbird because mockingbirds are innocent creatures, much like Tom as he was innocent at the trial and had done nothing wrong to the people of Maycomb. Tom, however, was shot and killed without a moment's thought when he tried to run because he was being charged with something he did not do, which resembles "senseless slaughter." Another mockingbird could be Boo Radley, however I believe Atticus is a stronger portrayal of a mockingbird, because Mockingbirds are innocent and peaceful creatures, much like Atticus, who never fights, but instead chooses to understand how people are feeling, with his famous phrase, "imagine if you were in their shoes..." Atticus also accepted the case to help Tom Robinson, because he believed he could save him, much like a mockingbird would help to save their own kind, which could lead the title of the book to be a metaphor in a way.  
Shauntae N (Guest) said On 10 November, 2015 at 6:04 PM
Tom Robinson is like a mocking bird because he has always tried to help Mayella is any way he can, and she is now accusing him of a crime he did not commit, she is punishing him when all he has done is good for her. A mockingbird is a bird that sings sweet melodies, bringing music to people everywhere, to kill one would be a sin because it hasn't done anything wrong to you. In a way, Atticus is a Mockingbird because throughout the book he has always tried to do the right thing, he treats Calpurnia equally. He was understanding and forgiving to the way Ms. Dubose acted due to her illness and he not only accepted Tom Robinson's case but also fairly attempt to defend him.  
Asaad Z. (Guest) said On 10 November, 2015 at 12:56 PM
Prejudice and Tolerance In the story, Miss Maudie explains how mockingbirds did no harm but produce music for people's ears. It would be very unfair to give death to mockingbirds in return for the peacefulness they bring, which is why it is a sin. Similarly, Tom Robinson had done nothing wrong, but only brought help to the people of Maycomb. He helped Mayella Ewell without asking for anything in return and was always kind. In return for being a good member of society, Tom Robinson was killed because of prejudice against black people. Boo Radley is a mockingbird as well because he has done no harm to anyone in Maycomb, yet the people keep spreading nasty rumors about him and make assumptions.   
said On 10 November, 2015 at 12:53 PM
In the story, Miss Maudie explains how mockingbirds did no harm but produce music for people's ears. It would be very unfair to give death to mockingbirds in return for the peacefulness they bring, which is why it is a sin. Similarly, Tom Robinson had done nothing wrong, but only brought help to the people of Maycomb. He helped Mayella Ewell without asking for anything in return and was always kind. In return for being a good member of society, Tom Robinson was killed because of prejudice against black people. Boo Radley is a mockingbird as well because he has done no harm to anyone in Maycomb, yet the people keep spreading nasty rumors about him and make assumptions.  
Sharmeen (Guest) said On 10 November, 2015 at 12:50 PM
Mr. Underwood wrote in his editorial that Tom’s death was like the slaughter of songbirds by hunters and children which is true. Tom Robinson was an innocent man who didn’t harm anyone just like mockingbirds and how they don’t harm anyone either. But besides them being innocent, people still kill them for no reason. Tom Robinson was like a mockingbird because he was innocent and Boo Radley is another character in the book who’s also innocent but is a victim of the world’s prejudice and hatred.   
Suchi T (Guest) said On 10 November, 2015 at 12:42 PM
When Jem and Scout receive guns for Christmas their father warns them about something. He says, "shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can't hit 'em but remember, it's a sin to kill a mocking bird." Atticus proceeds to explain to the kids that all mockingbirds do is create music and they never harm anyone, so to kill one would be a sin because you would be killing a harmless animal. Tom Robinson can easily be compared to a mockingbird because of what happened to him. He was wrongly convicted of abusing Mayella Ewell and he was sentenced to death. The trial revealed that Tom was a innocent man with a kind heart who would only enter to help Mayella when asked to and he didn't work for money. He was like a mockingbird, sharing his abilities with others but being punished for it. Another person that could be viewed as a mockingbird is Boo Radley. The citizens of Maycomb spread horrible rumors and spoke with distaste about Boo when in reality they don't know a thing about him. Like a mockingbird Boo is misread and tarnished.  
Samantha B. (Guest) said On 09 November, 2015 at 9:28 PM
Tom Robinson is like a mockingbird because he was killed but was innocent. It is kind of like when Atticus said that killing a mockingbird was a sin because it didn't harm anyone and actually did some good (singing a song). Tom did good because he helped Mayella pretty often even though there was no need. Mockingbirds and song birds are alike in the sense that they both sing so I believe it can be substituted into this. Another person that is kind of a mockingbird in the book is Boo Radley, he has a bunch of rumors spread about him even though he probably didn’t do any of it. He also helped Scout out a lot, he saved her from Mr. Ewell and he gave her the blanket. Both are innocent, have helped, and both have been put through a lot because of rumors or racism. Rumors and racism go hand in hand, as I have stated in Knowledge and Ignorance. Racism is a form of rumors since a part of racism is stereotypes. Boo and Tom’s treatment were similar in this fact.   
Mital P (Guest) said On 09 November, 2015 at 9:04 PM
The entire idea behind the title To Kill a Mockingbird is that you should never kill a mockingbird because all it does is make beautiful music and harms no one. Tom Robinson can be considered a mockingbird because he was a kind man who harmed no one. On many occasions he helped Mayella with different chores around her house. His intensions were good; he meant no one harm. He only wanted to be kind and helpful. Sadly, as a mockingbird, Tom was killed because of nothing he did. He was misjudged and misunderstood. Boo could also be described as a mockingbird because at the end of the novel it was Boo who could have been killed by others because of people who didn't bother to look into Boo's actions. It was Scout who realized that killing Boo (or putting him into a situation that could have killed him) would be like killing a mockingbird. Both Tom and Boo did good things for others and never intended to harm anyone.  
Suchi T (Guest) said On 09 November, 2015 at 6:57 PM
When Jem and Scout receive guns for Christmas their father warns them about something. He says, "shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can't hit 'em but remember, it's a sin to kill a mocking bird." Atticus proceeds to explain to the kids that all mockingbirds do is create music and they never harm anyone, so to kill one would be a sin because you would be killing a harmless animal. Tom Robinson can easily be compared to a mockingbird because of what happened to him. He was wrongly convicted of abusing Mayella Ewell and he was sentenced to death. The trial revealed that Tom was a innocent man with a kind heart who would only enter to help Mayella when asked to and he didn't work for money. He was like a mockingbird, sharing his abilities with others but being punished for it. Another person that could be viewed as a mockingbird is Boo Radley. The citizens of Maycomb spread horrible rumors and spoke with distaste about Boo when in reality they don't know a thing about him. Like a mockingbird Boo is misread and tarnished.  
Tyler H. (Guest) said On 09 November, 2015 at 6:08 PM
Mr. Underwood wrote an editorial about how Tom Robinson’s death was similar to hunters and children killing mockingbirds. I interpret this by thinking about the town of Maycomb. 90% of the non-black community hates black people. There are only few like Atticus, Jem, Scout, and few others who do not hate them. To kill any type of bird is a pretty easy task for almost anyone to handle. The same goes that it is a very easy task to dislike a black person, or kill a black person. Basically the minute that the Ewell’s said that Mayella was rapped, Tom was already dead, in a sense that he would go to prison and end up being killed. This ties into him doing nothing wrong, along with mockingbirds doing nothing wrong. This is how killing mockingbirds and killing Tom are very similar.  
Sanjna K. (Guest) said On 09 November, 2015 at 4:55 PM
Earlier in the book, Atticus described mockingbirds as innocent creatures, who don’t harm anyone. They are not viewed as pests, instead they are liked for their nature and voice. So overall, a mocking bird represents innocence and to kill a mockingbird means to destroy that innocence. Tom Robinson is an example of a mockingbird because he doesn’t bother anyone. He was a hard-working and honest man who didn’t cause problems for anyone. When falsely accused, he remained calm and told his side of the story, yet he was killed without reason, just like how often times birds are shot down. Also, Boo Radley is like a mockingbird because he was innocent and minded his own business. However, because of people’s ignorance and rumors, he was viewed as a monster, even though his intentions were good at heart and pure.   
Jasmine R. (Guest) said On 09 November, 2015 at 4:18 PM
In the book, Atticus reminds Scout and Jem that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. A mockingbird doesn't harm anyone or anything and just makes beautiful music. Tom Robinson is a mockingbird because he is completely innocent even though the jury chose otherwise. He never did anyone any harm and even helped Mayella even though he didn't necessarily have to. Boo Radley can also be seen as a mockingbird. Although he had committed a minor and petty crime, he also had many rumors created about him although no one really knew what had occurred during the crime. Besides his crime, he is completely innocent.  
Jessica P (Guest) said On 09 November, 2015 at 3:47 PM
The book, To Kill A Mockingbird, has a title that is hidden under the pages, found in the strong character of Tom Robinson. His death was described as a "senseless slaughter" by Mr. Underwood in the newspaper. Tom is most definitely a mockingbird. He is a symbol for many things in this boo. He symbolizes justice, or the lack of it, growing, change, and a new frontier. The new frontier is a new experience for Maycomb. A black man was tried in a court case that didn't immediately result in a guilty result. The jury had to take some time to discuss the trial and then convince some about the verdict. Maycomb is growing and changing because they are getting rid of their racist ways and trying to be equal among some people. As for others, Atticus may be seen as a mockingbird as well. He is a symbol of intelligence and enlightenment. He is needed across the county as much as Tom's story was too.   
Britney D. (Guest) said On 09 November, 2015 at 3:22 PM
A mockingbird symbolizes innocence because it does not harm anything. Tom Robinson is a mockingbird because he is innocent. Although the jury voted him as guilty, the evidence Atticus explains proves him to be innocent. It is described in the book that, “…it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” This goes to show that Tom Robinson was wrongfully punished for innocent actions. Based on Atticus’ conclusion of the case, Tom Robinson was just trying to help, but it was the doing of Mayella and her father that resulted the situation in chaos. Another mockingbird is Boo Radley. Boo Radley has not been proven to be doing anything wrong, rather, the rumors that surround him create a character everyone fears. By doing so, it’s the same as killing a mockingbird because it’s provoking a problem out of someone that’s innocent.   
Darin M (Guest) said On 09 November, 2015 at 12:37 PM
During the beginning of the book Atticus says,“Shoot all the blue-jays you want, if you cant hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird." This is because all mockingbirds do is just create music, they haven't done anything wrong but people still punish them for no reason. Tom Robinson is basically another mockingbird. He has done nothing wrong and the case was actually for him however he still got shot down and killed. Another character that could be a mockingbird is Boo Radley. Even though he did a small crime way back when people still spread rumors about him, tarnishing his reputation, making him look like a monster even though he has done nothing wrong.   
Henna S. (Guest) said On 09 November, 2015 at 12:26 PM
Tom Robinson is like a mockingbird because of how like the bird, he simply exists and does/did no harm as proven in the court trial. He didn't hurt Mayella at all, being far from it as Atticus described her actions as "tempting a Negroe" rather then him trying to force himself unto her. Boo Radley can be viewed as a mockingbird as he too did nothing wrong other than a minor petty crime several years ago, but nonetheless he has not done any harm unto someone else, and thus he parallels the concept of mockingbirds.  
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