Contrariwise: Literary Tattoos Over 600 tattoos from books, poetry, music, and other sources.

9May/121

it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird

This is Bethany's To Kill a Mockingbird tattoo:

Throughout the story, the mockingbird is used to symbolize innocence, and the loss thereof. I got this tattoo to commemorate my own loss of innocence, and the utmost importance of protecting my young son's innocence. As a single mother with an abusive ex-husband, it is so important to me to use my healing experience to support and protect other abused women. This tattoo helps me remember that it's healthy to forgive, but it's never ok to forget, lest old mistakes be repeated.

“Remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it.

“Your father’s right,” she said. “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy . . . but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

- Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

13Sep/088

Real Courage

Submitted by SpiffySilpion:

"I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.  You rarely win, but sometimes you do."

- To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

26Apr/086

Harper Lee

"Atticus told me to delete the adjectives and I'd have the facts."

- To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

(source)