Boo Symbolism

The Role of Boo: To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is set in Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930s about a family struggling with racism and prejudice in the south. Additionally, the children of the Finch family also show courage throughout the novel by character growth and bravery. Boo Radley's role in To Kill a Mockingbird is to act as a symbol of a Mockingbird, introduce mystery into the novel, and generate a theme of heroism. Moreover, he proves these to be true by being innocent the entire novel, being rumored to be some sort of monster and saving Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell's attack.

One important role of Boo is to act as a symbol of a Mockingbird. Boo Radley hates to cause trouble so he stays inside and consequently lacks vitamin D causing him to be as white as a ghost. "I think I’m beginning to understand

Boo would seem the most improbable hero because of all the hateful and villainous rumors spread about him ,however, he does save Jem and Scout. “The man was walking with the staccato steps of someone carrying a load too heavy for him.” (XXVII.302) Boo is seen carrying Jem to safety by Scout and is pictured as carrying a load too heavy for him, since Boo never goes outside he has grown to be weak but still saves the kids. He also eliminates the threat of Bob Ewell to the children. “Mr. Finch taking the one man who’s done you and this town a great service an’ draggin’ him with his shy ways into the limelight-tom me, that’s a sin.” (XXX.317) Boo is thanked by Heck Tate for doing something great for the town of Maycomb and to respect his privacy he decides to pronounce that Bob Ewell killed himself and not take in Boo. This also serves as irony because a Mockingbird killed a Mockingbird killer and a symbol of heroism because Boo avenged Tom’s death by killing Bob Ewell. Also, Boo really enhances the novel with the addition of him being revealed to be a