What does the title mean in 'To Kill A Mockingbird'?

The Mockingbird symbolises innocence, thus its death ('To Kill A Mockingbird') signifies the death of the children's innocence as they are exposed to the racial prejudices and the consequences of those prejudices (Tom Robinson's death) in Maycomb. The notion of the mockingbird being killed reflects the novels genre as a bildungsroman novel, or coming-of-age, as the Finch children progress from childhood to maturity, leaving their innocence behind.

MB

Related English GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How can I improve my descriptive writing?


In the poem Mametz Wood, Owen Sheers explores ideas about conflict. Write about the ways in which Sheers presents conflict in this poem.


How do I plan a a persuasive response to English Language Paper 2 Question 5 (AQA)?


What's the difference between exaggeration and hyperbole?