Use of Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee uses symbolism effectively throughout her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Jem's breastfeeding of flowers denotes his courage in breastfeeding to be able to tolerate people's criticism towards his family, especially towards his father. He was forced to care for the camellias just as he was forced to live with anger, disappointment, and a big question mark in his young heart about how adults function. Atticus “never thought Jem would lose his mind over this” (110). However, Jem has "lost his mind" and must now find the strength to control his emotions to avoid further trouble. This courage was hard to find, but Mrs. Dubose found it and was able to wean herself off morphine before she died. She also made sure Jem received a white, waxy camellia that she had prepared for him. The waxy camellia, the "Snow on the Mountain" (118), may be a symbol of courage. He built his spirit little by little just like when he prepared the camellia. Now it's Jem's turn to build his own. And just as the wax camellia does not wither, so true courage may be difficult to build, but once built, it never leaves you. Mrs. Dubose's camellias are not the only flowers that can be seen symbolically. Mayella Ewell's red geraniums also have important meaning. During the Robinson trial the reader is given a description of the Ewell property. It is said that "what passed for a fence were pieces of tree branches, broomsticks and tool handles, all fitted with rusty hammer heads, crooked-toothed rake heads, shovels, axes and grubbing hoes, held up with pieces of barbed wire". Enclosed by this barricade was a dirt yard containing the remains of a Model T Ford, an abandoned dentist's chair, an antique ice chest, and minor items: old shoes, worn desktop radios, picture frames, and fruit jars. under which skinny orange chickens pecked hopefully". (176) The general image that emerges from this description is that of a small landfill, a totally disordered place like the «theater of a crazy child» (176). One can easily guess the rank of the people who lived there. However, "against the fence, in a row, stood six chipped enamel jars containing bright red geraniums, tenderly tended as if they belonged to Miss Maudie Atkinson.".