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  • Essay / Snow Symbolism to Kill a Mockingbird

    Table of ContentsThe Innocence of SnowThe Harsh Realities of RacismThe Snowman and RacismConclusionBibliographySnow is a recurring symbol in Harper Lee's classic novel, To Kill A Mockingbird. Through its various appearances, snow represents themes of innocence, purity and the harsh realities of prejudice and racism. This essay will explore the symbolism of snow in the novel, analyzing its meaning in different scenes and how it relates to the characters and their experiences. By examining the different examples of snow symbolism, we can better understand the novel's themes and the author's intention. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Innocence of Snow One of the first instances of snow symbolism occurs when Scout builds a snowman with Jem and Miss Maudie. The snowman is described as "an unusual sight: Miss Maudie's sun hat balanced precariously on her frozen head and a huge smile on her face" (Lee, 74). This snowman represents the innocence and playfulness of childhood. It is a temporary creation, just as the innocence of childhood is fleeting. The snowman's smile suggests a sense of joy and contentment, contrasting with the racial tensions and injustice that permeate the setting of Maycomb in the novel. The snowman also symbolizes purity from Scout's perspective. As a naive young girl, Scout has not yet been tainted by the prejudices and prejudices of the adult world. The snowman represents a moment of respite from the harsh realities of racism and serves as a reminder of the innocence that exists in children. The Harsh Realities of Racism Although snow initially represents innocence, it later takes on a darker, more somber symbolism. In one scene, Atticus shoots a rabid dog that threatens the neighborhood. Scout describes this moment by saying: “The snow-covered ground was torn apart by the struggles of the dog; he was still alive but in great pain” (Lee, 96). Here, the snowy ground becomes a metaphor for the seemingly peaceful surface that masks the underlying racism and prejudice in Maycomb. The dog's struggles and pain can be seen as a representation of the suffering endured by African Americans in a racially divided society. Just as the snow hides the dog's pain, Maycomb's societal norms and expectations hide the suffering and injustice faced by the black community. This scene is a reminder that this seemingly idyllic city is built on a foundation of inequality and discrimination. The Snowman and Racism Another significant example of snow symbolism occurs when Jem builds a snowman resembling Mr. Avery, a neighbor with racist views. The snowman is described as having “a ragged nose [...] and eyes made of pebbles” (Lee, 84). This snowman represents the ugliness and hatred associated with racism. By building the snowman to resemble Mr. Avery, Jem expresses his anger and frustration at the racism prevalent in Maycomb. The jagged nose and stony eyes symbolize the dehumanizing nature of racial prejudice. The snowman is a physical manifestation of the city's deep-rooted racism. Conclusion In To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, snow is a powerful symbol throughout the novel. He represents both innocence and the harsh realities of racism. The snowman built by Scout and Jem embodies the temporary nature of childhood innocence and the joy it brings. However, as, 1960.