Snow Symbolism in to Kill a Mockingbird

Snow 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 significance in different scenes and its connection to the characters and their experiences. By examining the various instances of snow symbolism, we can gain a deeper understanding of the novel's themes and the author's intent.

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 sunhat balanced precariously on its frozen head and an enormous grin on its face" (Lee, 74). This snowman represents the innocence and playfulness of childhood. It is a temporary creation, just as childhood innocence is fleeting. The snowman's grin suggests a sense of joy and contentment, contrasting with the racial tensions and injustice that permeate the novel's setting of Maycomb.

The snowman also symbolizes the purity of Scout's perspective. As a young and naïve girl, Scout has not yet been tainted by the prejudices and biases 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 within children.

The Harsh Realities of Racism

While snow initially represents innocence, it later takes on a darker and more somber symbolism. In one scene, Atticus shoots a mad dog that is threatening the neighborhood. Scout describes the moment by saying, "The snow-covered ground was torn up by the dog's struggles; he was still alive but in great pain" (Lee, 96). Here, the snow-covered 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 conceals the dog's pain, the societal norms and expectations of Maycomb hide the suffering and injustice faced by the black community. This scene serves as a reminder that the seemingly idyllic town is built upon a foundation of inequality and discrimination.

The Snowman and Racism

Another significant instance of snow symbolism occurs when Jem builds a snowman resembling Mr. Avery, a neighbor with racist views. The snowman is described as having "a jagged nose [. . .] and eyes made of pebbles" (Lee, 84). This snowman represents the ugliness and hatred associated with racism.

By constructing the snowman to resemble Mr. Avery, Jem is expressing his anger and frustration towards the racism prevalent in Maycomb. The jagged nose and pebble eyes symbolize the dehumanizing nature of racial prejudice. The snowman serves as a physical manifestation of the deeply ingrained racism within the town.

Conclusion

In Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, snow serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel. It 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 the novel progresses, the snow takes on a darker meaning, symbolizing the pain and suffering endured by African Americans in a racially divided society.

The symbolism of the snowman resembling Mr. Avery highlights the ugliness and hatred associated with racism. By examining the different instances of snow symbolism in the novel, we gain a deeper understanding of the themes and messages conveyed by Harper Lee. The use of snow as a symbol in To Kill A Mockingbird allows readers to reflect on the complexities of prejudice and racism and their effects on individuals and communities.

Overall, the symbolism of snow in To Kill A Mockingbird adds depth and richness to the narrative, enhancing the reader's understanding of the novel's themes. It serves as a reminder of the importance of innocence, the harsh realities of racism, and the need to confront prejudice in order to create a more just and equitable society.

Bibliography

Lee, Harper. To Kill A Mockingbird. HarperCollins Publishers, 1960.