Theme Of Isolation In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Societies across early 20th century America were centered around the idea of the perfect American. During this time, prejudice became a widespread normality, and people with limited abilities were isolated for their difference. Boo Radley and Doodle are faced with this form of isolation in their respective stories, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst. As a method of avoiding the negativity of society, Boo remains in his home, hoping to find company with the naive and innocent children across the street. Doodle also has to search for company with his brother, since he is not able to make contact with other children in their community due to disability. Both of these characters are put through downfalls as …show more content…
For years, Boo Radley had been locked in his home after his arrest as a teenager. Boo’s father, Mr. Radley, made sure Boo would no longer be a disturbance to the town, leading him keep Boo inside their home for years to come. By the time Mr. Radley died, it is likely that Boo had developed a mental disorder, which is mentioned by members of Maycomb’s society. Ironically, it is primarily society's fault that “Boo Radley’s stayed shut up in the house all this time... it’s because he wants to stay inside” (Lee 227), away from anyone who could hurt him. “Boo Radley’s stayed shut up in the house all this time... it’s because he wants to stay inside” (Lee 227), away from anyone who could hurt him. With Maycomb’s prejudiced society constantly buzzing with gossip or judgement, Boo Radley is reluctant to leave the comfort and safety of his home. Just like a mockingbird, Boo is innocent and child-like, lacking the experience of facing prejudice and misunderstandings. Looking through his window, Boo was able to observe the town and its ways, especially when it came to how others looked upon the Radley house. Boo recognized the fear that the Radley lot instilled in others, and he withdrew from showing himself in public, thus isolating himself from society. However, what Boo failed to recognize was that he was observing innocent children, just like himself, who did not recognize Boo as a human. By staying inside and becoming elusive, Boo inadvertently created myths and legends about himself, which causes more ill opinions about him. This results in a cycle of isolation and judgement, that Boo can only break by revealing his innocent and kind-hearted nature. Due to the discomfort in his own society, Boo Radley isolates himself, thus creating an elusive
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