To Kill a Mockingbird is about two kids; a brother and sister named Jem and Scout. The book actually has two stories within. The first story, about finding out about the mysterious Arthur "Boo" Radley who they have heard so many rumors about. The second story about a kind, intelligent young, black man who is accused of raping Miss Mayella Ewell. In a way, these two stories are linked; they are linked by Jem and Scout. With a little advice from their father Atticus, they seem to figure out some of life's most valuable lessons. In Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the symbolic mockingbird is personified in the characters of Tom Robinson and Arthur "Boo" Radley in the way that these characters enrich the lives of other people and require protection from those who seek to harm them.
Tom Robinson displays the characteristics of the mockingbird in that he enriches the lives of others and needs protection from those who seek to harm him. Tom Robinson worked for Mr. Link Deas, who is the opposite of prejudice. He looks past racism and respects Tom's character very much. Mr. Deas claims that Tom is a good fellow and never gets into trouble. Mr. Robinson lives a moral life. Atticus said, "He is a member of Calpurnia's church and Cal knows his family well, she says there clean living folks."(75) Tom enriches lives in an important way, but this way got him in trouble. Miss Mayella Ewell accuses Tom of rape. She always needs his help with chores around the house and would always call for Tom to help her. He had been doing this for quite a long time and it had never been an issue, until one time when he went to help her. Mr. Bob Ewell walked in and saw Tom in his house being kissed by his daughter and forced Mayella to accuse him of rape. Tom Robinson seeks protection because he is black and accused of rape. The story takes place during the Great Depression and racism was very big problem.
