Yes, it would be wrong to corrupt Tom Robinson's innocence. One of the main themes throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, deals with the corruption of innocent people. Tom Robinson is an innocent black man who was wrongly accused of raping Mayella Ewell. Tom Robinson was only trying to help Mayella break down an old piece of furniture when she attempted to seduce him. Bob and Mayella Ewell falsify their testimonies and the racist Maycomb jury wrongly convicts Tom Robinson because he is a black man.
Mockingbirds symbolize innocent characters throughout the novel. Tom Robinson is a "mockingbird." In Chapter 10, when the children are shooting their air-rifles, Atticus tells them, "Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." (Lee 119) Miss Maudie elaborates on Atticus' statement and explains to the children that mockingbirds do nothing but sing their hearts out for people, which is why it is a sin to kill one. Tom Robinson was a caring, loving soul, who felt sympathy towards Mayella. Much like innocent mockingbirds, who do nothing to harm people or their property, Tom was only attempting to help Mayella. After Tom is shot escaping from jail, Mr. Underwood "likened Tom's death to the senseless slaughter of songbirds." (Lee 323)
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