The impact of Boo Radley in To Kill A Mockingbird essays

The impact of Boo Radley in To Kill A Mockingbird essays In novels, sometimes characters that are not seen or heard from much in the story play a very large part. They impact every aspect of the novel including plot, characters and theme. Characters like this do not really have any speaking parts or have any real physical contact with the main characters. Harper Lees novel To Kill A Mockingbird has a character like this. He is mentioned often but is only actually spoken with and seen by the main characters once. His name is Boo Radley. Boo Radley is very significant to this novel, he greatly impacts the plot, character, and theme of To Kill A Mockingbird. Although Boo Radley does not meet many characters during the course of the story, his influence on them is very great. Because of Boo, Scout learns many important lessons. She realizes that you should not be afraid of someone before you get to know them. She hears a lot of gossip about Boo Radley, and even though he is described as creepy and horrid, when she finally meets him she is not afraid. It is because of Boo that she understands the lesson that her father tried to teach her. When she takes Boo home she thinks: Atticus was right. One time he said that you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough. (Pg. 297) She sees the world through Boos eyes and learns to appreciate what others go through. Atticus is effected by Boo when he rediscovers the compassion and thoughtfulness displayed by Boo when he looks out for his children during the fire and after the pageant. He is reminded of the moc kingbird lesson he then passes on to Scout. This influences his decision to defend Tom Robinson. Jem becomes wiser because of the lessons he learns with help from Boo, even though they do not actually meet. Jem is made aware of the discrimination around him and how cruel people are to each other. He vie...