In To Kill a Mockingbird, the mockingbird symbol represents what?

• A. Scout's hat.
• B. Mockingbird as a symbol of justice.
• C. Innocent individuals harmed by cruelty.
• D. Atticus's moral courage.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that the mockingbird stands for innocence and the harm that cruelty or prejudice can cause to those who do nothing wrong. The bird doesn’t hurt anyone; it sings and brings beauty. Harming a mockingbird is a senseless act, which is why the novel treats it as morally wrong. In the story, people like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley embody innocence or are unfairly harmed or judged by others’ cruelty and prejudice, highlighting why harming the innocent is unjust. While justice and moral courage are important themes in the book, the symbol of the mockingbird specifically points to innocent individuals harmed by others’ cruelty.