The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe Symbolism Analysis
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Throughout history symbolism is used to convey deeper meanings. All great literature alludes to deeper, life affecting truths. Aslan, in C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, is a blatant symbol for the sacrifice and love of Jesus. Similarly, in To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee relies heavily on the use of symbols, some more subliminal than others. The first time through the book, the image of the ham seems to be a frivolous detail; upon the second reading, the hidden message becomes apparent. The ham represents scout’s town and its protecting, constraining and superficial nature. The ham protects Scout during the Halloween attack in a way similar to the way the community protects her. She is unknowingly saved from harm by the chicken wire interior of the costume. The town also shields Scout from the harsh realities of life; she is completely unaware of Mrs. Dubose’s unfortunate position. Atticus must kindly educate his daughter about the circumstance. “…didn’t you know what her fits were?…Mrs. Dubose was a morphine addict” (Lee 111). Not fearful of the realities of life, Atticus carefully guides the growth of her understanding. Scout’s father isn’t alone in his quest to protect the innocence of…show more content… Aunt Alexandra and Atticus debate the raising of a daughter on many occasions, much to the dismay of Scout. “Who was the ‘her’ they were talking about? My heart sank: me. I felt the starched walls of a pink cotton penitentiary closing in on me” (136). These discussions slowly squeeze Scout’s beliefs, leaving sore red marks on her soft childish instinct. During the Tom Robinson conflict, the populace continually bombards the child’s instinct with contrary messages, attempting to change her intuition to fit the status quo. Although her morals are undiluted, the extra pressure further closes the cage