Boo Radley Courage

Courage is a constant theme throughout Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. Taking place in Maycomb County during the 1930’s , the novel deals with the racism of the time period as well as what the true meaning of courage is versus the conventional. Although many characters portray courage throughout the novel Scout Finch, Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are the best examples of courage.

Scout, the narrator, is the most obvious example of courage. Throughout the novel she personifies a childlike nature, adventurous, curious and courageous. Scout defends her brother against Bob Ewell; although the identity of the attacker was unknown to her at the time, without a second thought, even though she couldn’t see in the dark. Likewise she easily

The one thing we know without a doubt is that Boo Radley does not want to be in the spotlight, does not want to be the center of attention. Yet he rescued Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell, killing him whether he meant to or not, an action which would have made him Maycomb’s resident hero if not for Heck Tate’s interference. Some would say that Boo was not a good person because of his past crimes and the rumors around him but committing does not make you a coward. Boo may not have been a brave person in the past but your past actions should not dictate the bravery of your present actions. As for whether he is a bad person, Boo gave away his treasures to the children, mended Jem’s pants and covered Scout with a blanket because he loves these children, regardless of the cruel games they play mocking him and portraying him as a monster. As Scout Finch described what it would be like to tell the public it was Boo “Well, it’d be sort of like shootin’ a mockingbird, wouldn’t it(Page 317)?” comparing Boo Radley to a mockingbird, a symbol of innocence throughout the book. Boo Radley was a symbol of innocence, his actions selfless and brave. He did not think of the consequence it would have on his own life, or at the very least ignored it, and instead focused on protecting the