The knothole and its contents
The knothole is one of the more enigmatic images in the film. When Jem first encounters the knothole (which contains a spelling medal), he is confused but intrigued. As the children collect more and more trinkets, the hole enables an intimate communication between the children and a mysterious giver: Boo. The imagery of the knothole evokes the sole possibility of communication for the most isolated Maycomb resident, but it is soon blocked when Mr. Radley covers it with cement (by Mr. Radley).
Boo hiding behind the door
Before we see Boo’s face, we see him hiding behind a door, wishing to remain unacknowledged by Scout, Sheriff Tate, and Atticus. When we see this image, we immediately understand how Boo’s subjection to an imprisoned life has prompted his withdrawn disposition and limited capacity for social interaction. The image of the alienated Boo hiding behind a door ultimately allows Scout to identify Boo as a fellow human being, not the fantastical object of her childhood fears.
The rabid dog
As the unhinged, rabid dog walks down the neighborhood, it inflicts a supreme threat and fear among the Maycomb residents, who bolt from their doors to anxiously watch the scene. The unnerving image of the dog illuminates the inadequacy of the Maycomb residents, who refuse to confront the threatening situation, with the exception of Atticus—who shoots the dog—and Calpurnia—who notifies Atticus of the incident. The crazed image of the dog represents the dissemination of disease and racism in a town where only Atticus can truly rise to the occasion and work to dismantle these forces of social inequality.
The tearing of the mockingbird
In the opening credits sequence, a young girl (presumably Scout) draws a stick-figured mockingbird and then tears the paper, ripping the image of the bird in half. This simple yet powerful image foreshadows the senseless prejudices and racial divisions of the film which will rupture the children’s innocence, and suggest the violence and injustice permitted in Maycomb and the criminal justice system.
