In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, numerous issues such as racism, discrimination, and social classes are explored. The story is set in the small southern American town of Maycomb in the 1930's, where most of the population shared similar ideas on such issues. These ideas are explored through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in Maycomb, and the reader sees the events that occur throughout the novel from her eyes. When Scout's father, Atticus Finch, tells Jem and Scout "I'd rather you shoot at tin cans in the backyard, but I know you'll go after the birds. Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird", he is referring not to the birds, but to society as a whole. The mockingbird is a symbol for two of the characters in the novel, Boo Radley, and Tom Robinson. This is because the mockingbird simply makes music for others to enjoy. Whereas the blue jay is loud and obnoxious, the mockingbird does not have its own song, but mimics other bird's songs. Because the mockingbird does not have its own song, it is characterized only by what the other birds sing. Neither Boo nor Tom had their own song, so the people of Maycomb characterised them both by other people's views.
             Although Tom Robinson and Boo Radley never actually met, there are certain similar aspects of their lives that exist. In the beginning of the story, Boo Radley represents the unknown, and serves as a topic of conversation, as well as a focal point for the children's games. The children are curious about him because he never comes out of his house to associate with anyone in the neighbourhood. The children assume him to be evil and sinful, based merely on what the neighbourhood believe him to be. However, at the end of the book, Boo saves Jem and Scout's lives. At this point in the story, Boo is becomes a symbol for what is just and...