Tom Robinson in To Kill A Mockingbird (Book Analysis)

…but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” (Lee 03) No man should have to be fighting for his life. Especially when this man is guiltless. No man should be making this man fight for his life when they have no rational reason. The mockingbird symbolizes a trustworthy righteous man who becomes a scapegoat by being unfairly accused.

To begin with, the mockingbird symbolizes Tom Robinson who, according to society during the 1920s, is trustworthy. Tom Robinson is currently employed by Mr.Links. During the 1920s  for a black man to be employed by a white man like Mr.Links was an honor and was held with high standards. Mr. Links trusts Tom and says this when told about his case; “I just want the whole lot of you to know one thing right now. That boy's worked for me eight years an' I ain't had a speck o'trouble outa him. Not a speck." (Lee 199). Mr. Links highly doubts Tom Robinson would do such a thing as rape. This shows that Tom is an up to standard man not guilty of such a crime. Naturally, because of Tom’s race he is being unfairly accused.

Secondly, Tom Robinson is unfairly accused and brought to trial. He is a black man with no advantage in the court of law. According to several testimonies,  Mayella was hit by someone who is right - handed. Tom Robinson injured his right hand and would not be able to hit women with his right hand. Scout comes to this conclusion while observing the trial and says; “Tom’s left arm ended in a small shriveled hand, and from as far away as the balcony I could see it was no use to him.” (Lee) An Immature young child such as Scout is intelligent enough to realize that Tom could not have hurt Mayella. Most likely so did every other citizen in the courtroom, but this piece of information is ignored because it could bring Justice to Tom. Nevertheless, these false accusations cause Tom Robinson to be brought out from underneath into the limelight.

Following when a person like Tom Robinson a quiet and secluded one is being accused of a crime like rape it causes them to have all attention on them. Once word got out that he is being accused of rape it was the talk of the town. Even children at school like Cecil Jacobs are talking about the case. One day while at school Cecil announces to the entire playground; “Scout Finch's daddy defended black men.” (Lee 68) Not only are the adults of the town discussing the case of Tom Robinson, but it has gone so far that their children are discussing it. Tom has gone from a secluded quiet life to one that has no privacy and is the town gossip. 

An innocent man that has self morals and standards is being humiliated. He is accused of a crime so harsh with scarce evidence. Tom is the talk of the town for not good reasons. He is the conversation starter at town events or friendly encounters. A man is being hurt. Not only physically but emotionally and some seem to forget it is a sin to kill a mockingbird.