Use of Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird It is quite evident that the names of some characters in To Kill a Mockingbird are implicitly symbolic. The scout, for example, like the familiar military scouts sent out by the main body to gather intelligence, is a researcher, exploring new areas of experience. Furthermore, the name Atticus is a reference to the Attica district of ancient Greece in which Athens was located. In a certain sense Atticus' rational approach to life is similar to that of ancient philosophers, especially the Stoics: "The four cardinal virtues of Stoic philosophy are wisdom, courage, justice and temperance. All people are manifestations of the one universal spirit and should, according to the Stoics, love and help another, regardless of rank and wealth" (Encarta Encyclopedia). Atticus is the main character who serves these four virtues, justice, wisdom, courage and temperance in the story, just like the ancient philosophers of Athens did. As a lawyer he is a faithful servant of justice for all people, black or white. His wisdom lies not in his education but in the way he raises his children and in his knowledge of people's attitudes. For him, courage is Mrs. Dubose's effort to free herself from morphine. He tells Jem on the day of his death, "I wanted to show you what real courage is, instead of making you think that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you've been defeated before you start but it doesn't start." anyway and you will get it done no matter what” (118). From his perspective, Atticus showed courage by taking on the Tom Robinson case, despite knowing beforehand that it was a losing battle. And finally, the reader knows that he believes in temperance when he advises Scout and Jem not to be carried away by people's provocations, and he sets an example when he does not react to Bob Ewell's threats. It then becomes apparent that Atticus could easily be considered a Stoic as he made his philosophy his way of life. He may be a citizen of ancient Attica as his name suggests. Another symbol in the story is Jem's broken arm as well as Scout's ham costume. It has been said that Atticus did not expect Jem to be so affected by the events of the trial. Scout was more likely to be influenced because she was younger.