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In the first part of the novel, the first impressions of Radley are made. Though they are not easily forgotten or hastily changed, they are progressively altered as Radley's true nature reveals itself. Evidently, it is Atticus who first tries to discourage the children from their fantasies about the Radleys. However, through the events with Jem's pants, the neighborhood fire and the presents in the tree, the children themselves begin to realize that Radley is more of a friend than a villain. Although Atticus' attempt at dissuasion is not totally successful, it is aided by Miss Maudie who helps Scout make an important realization: "Do you think they're true, all those things they say about Arthur?" "What things?" I told her... "No, child," she said, "that is a sad house. I remember Arthur Radley when he was a boy. He always spoke nicely to me, no matter what folks said he did. Spoke as nicely as he knew how" (Lee 46). Here, Scout realizes that her opinions and judgments of Radley may not be all that accurate. This message spoken by Miss Maudie, a person highly respected by the children, ignites the evolution of Scout's impressions of
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Through his kindness, love and devotion to the children, he saves their lives and teaches them an invaluable lesson. Near the end of the novel, on their way home from a pageant, the children are attacked by Bob Ewell. Ewell, with full intention to kill the children, is stopped and killed by Boo Radley. The rescuing of the children is seen as an act of courage and strength, which truly distinguishes Radley as the hero of the novel. It is at this point, that Scout finally understands that Radley's intentions were not evil but good. Through his act of heroism, Radley is accepted as a friend. “Boo was our neighbor. He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good luck pennies, and our lives. But neighbours give in return. We never put back into the tree what we took out of it: we had given him nothing, and it made me sad” (Lee 278). This is a very special realization for Scout; she acknowledges Radley's good nature and kindness. She realizes that Radley had given them their lives, the most important gift of all. Radley has indeed found a place in the children's hearts, and through his natural goodness he comes out as the true hero of To Kill a Mockingbird.
. Through many fundamental stages in the novel, the character of Boo Radley is slowly unraveled depicting his true self. As negative first impressions undergo a metamorphosis,
Through his kindness, love and devotion to the children, he saves their lives and teaches them an invaluable lesson. Near the end of the novel, on their way home from a pageant, the children are attacked by Bob Ewell. Ewell, with full intention to kill the children, is stopped and killed by Boo Radley. The rescuing of the children is seen as an act of courage and strength, which truly distinguishes Radley as the hero of the novel. It is at this point, that Scout finally understands that Radley's intentions were not evil but good. Through his act of heroism, Radley is accepted as a friend. “Boo was our neighbor. He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good luck pennies, and our lives. But neighbours give in return. We never put back into the tree what we took out of it: we had given him nothing, and it made me sad” (Lee 278). This is a very special realization for Scout; she acknowledges Radley's good nature and kindness. She realizes that Radley had given them their lives, the most important gift of all. Radley has indeed found a place in the children's hearts, and through his natural goodness he comes out as the true hero of To Kill a Mockingbird.
. Through many fundamental stages in the novel, the character of Boo Radley is slowly unraveled depicting his true self. As negative first impressions undergo a metamorphosis,