The feature of symbolism is used in the novel on page 179, during which Scout is describing the new courthouse, as the old one no-longer stands from being burnt. ‘From the other side, however, greek revival columns clashed with big nineteenth-century clock tower housing a rusty unreliable instrument, a view indicating a people determined to preserve every physical scrap of the past.’

From a certain standpoint, the courthouse would symbolise the world around them, newly built from the old whilst maintaining is foundations. The clock representing racism, old and useless to which many have given up on, but those few still check it for the time. And the columns standing for different things from different perspectives (as the rest can too), perhaps Atticus holding up justice, or Scout and Jem holding up the burden of Atticus defending a black man, seen as how they seem to be affected more than their father is.

From logical veiwpoints rather than metaphorical the ‘film of dust’ would suggest the courthouse or its proper uses are rarely used. This would lead to enthusise that the law of maycomb disregard their duty, and make things how they wish them to be- weither somone is innocent or not.