Exam Review - To Kill a Mockingbird Themes and Symbols

Question 1

What are the major themes?

Answer 1

Courage, Childhood innocence, Racism, Teachings (Atticus)

Question 2

What are some symbols in the story?

Answer 2

Mockingbird, Camellia

Question 3

Who does the Mockingbird symbolize?

Answer 3

Atticus, Tom Robinson, Arthur (Boo) Radley

Question 4

Why does the mockingbird symbolize Atticus?

Answer 4

He does the best he can to help everyone, he took the insults of Mrs. Dubose and Maycomb for defending Tom, he defends Tom from the mob and himself from Alexandra, he is honest and explains himself. A mockingbird provides joy- helps others.

Question 5

Why does the mockingbird symbolize Tom Robinson?

Answer 5

helps Mayella, doesn’t take a cent despite being crippled and having his own family, respectfull, never enters yard without permission, doesn’t call M. a liar, doesn’t take advantage of her, respected by Cal and Link Deas, church supports him, Atticus testifies for him, put in jail for not paying fine, accused of rape, assaulted, called boy, not by name, guilty when innocent, wife was tortured, shot 17 times

Question 6

Why does the mockingbird symbolize Arthur Radley?

Answer 6

Rumours- monster, how he looks (rotten teeth, eyes bulge, drools, eats animals raw, goes out at night), ball in yard is lost, rowdy teen- isolated, jail- courthouse basement, home; Nathan cemented tree hole; gave kids gifts- doll, chain, watch; fixed and folded Jem’s pants, blanket on Scout, carries Jem home

Question 7

What does the camellia symbolize?

Answer 7

Courage- Mrs. Dubose and her fight against morphine. Was broken but now fixed, she was addicted but broke free of it. Reminder to Jem.