How Does Boo Radley Use Adversity In To Kill A Mockingbird

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What can symbolize growth through adversity? How about maintaining kindness and morality in the face of cruelty? The better question is who? Harper Lee develops and nurtures this exact figure, Boo Radley, in her critically acclaimed novel To Kill A Mockingbird. In this classic coming-of-age story set in 1930s Alabama, main character Scout Finch is faced with the shift from childhood innocence through several life altering events. Through her triumph, Boo Radley serves as a reoccurring interest. He can be considered the most influential symbol in the literary piece because of his underlying yet powerful connection to the characters and to core themes. As previously alluded to, Boo Radley is a widely reaching symbol because he has a key role …show more content…
Atticus continually preached about showing everyone kindness, to look at the bad they’ve done and celebrate their compassion instead. To bring life to this belief, the author includes the quote: “Neighbors bring food with death and flowers with sickness…Boo was our neighbor. He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good luck pennies, and our lives,” (Lee 373). Boo had almost no reason to give Scout and Jem more than a second thought. They were merely two more kids corrupted by the oppressive beliefs of the town, yet he still showed them whatever small niceties he could. This goes back to many interactions with Atticus, who was always respectful to the seemingly nastiest people. Additionally, Atticus believed in displaying moral courage, which Boo also fulfills. Just like Atticus did everything he could to protect Tom Robinson, an innocent man to whom he had no prior connection, Boo similarly saved Jem and Scout from the vengeful hands of Bob Ewell. He did a courageous act for two children whom he had never even spoken to. All in all, Boo represented what Atticus wished his children to be—morally courageous and kind without
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