The novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," by Harper Lee, tells of life in a small southern town and how one incident changed the lives of many of its citizens. Although Lee uses various themes and symbols throughout her novel, none serve a stronger purpose than the theme of coexistence of good and evil, portrayed by the symbol of the mockingbird. The mockingbird is described as innocent through the quote, "They [mockingbirds] don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird"  (119). The mockingbird's only purpose is to make music for people to enjoy, so by killing one, innocence is destroyed. Although many characters display the innocent, kind nature of the mockingbird, Boo Radley, Tom Robinson, and Mayella Ewell not only embody the qualities of the mockingbird but, have witnessed the evils of society. Boo Radley, a reclusive character, is taken out of society by his father and locked inside his house. As a result of his solitary life, rumors begin to spread, that soon create a monstrous, ghostly creature created out of the evil of ignorance. Despite the stories spread by the townspeople, Boo displays the kind, innocent nature of the mocking bird, and cares for the people of Maycomb. His kind, selfless heart not only leads Boo to place gifts in the tree for Scout and Jem, but also leave the safety of his home to set a blanket over Scout during the fire. Although Boo has been damaged by his abusive father, he selflessly risks his own life to save Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell. To preserve what is left of his innocence Boo stays inside, so the evils of society cannot harm him. Despite the evils that damage Boo, he is still able to see the beauty of life and understands the bad qualities by treating others with sympathy. In comparison, Tom Robinson, perhaps the most known of all mockingbirds, embodies the innocence, selfless, and helpfulness of the mockingbird through his actions toward Mayella Ewe