The Effects Of Changing Perspectives In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

Harper Lee explores the idea of different effects on changing perspectives through the To Kill A Mockingbird novel set in 1930s Alabama in the fictional town of Maycomb and the developing relationship between the children and Boo Radley. Throughout To Kill A Mockingbird, Lee presents a powerful message about the impact of changing perspectives on individuals and society as a whole. The novel follows the story of Scout Finch and her brother Jem as they develop a complicated relationship with their isolated neighbor, Arthur "Boo" Radley, who is rumored to be dangerous and mentally unstable.

At the beginning of the novel, the children are fascinated with Boo Radley, because they have never seen him. They create stories about him, imagining him

The word “malevolent” connotes that Scout views Boo as a person wishing only evil and harm onto others while “phantom” shows that she is still questioning whether or not he is real. This is further reaffirmed by her following this statement by informing the reader that “People said he existed, but Jem and I had never seen him.” The word “but” implies that because they have never seen him they are unsure if they should believe what they have been told. The rumors further portray Boo as a villain by blaming “Any stealthy small crimes committed in Maycomb” on him with no evidence. The phrase “stealthy small crimes” suggests that Boo did not want to be seen in addition to illustrating the image of a thief. A few chapters later Scout thinks that the Radley place is dangerous since she

Even prior to meeting Boo, when walking home with Jem she is convinced that “Boo doesn’t mean anybody any harm, but I’m right glad you’re along.” Suggesting that she no longer believes in all the negative rumors surrounding him. After Boo saves the children, Scout begins to reflect on all of Boo’s acts and finally acknowledges Boo as their neighbour and not a threat but thinks to herself “neighbours give in return. We never put back into the tree what we took out of it: we had given him nothing,” connoting that Scout believes that Boo has done enough helpful acts to deserve something in return for them as well as feeling in debt to him. Scout’s fear of Boo is depicted to have dissipated when she asks if he would “like to say good night to Jem,” offering assistance. Scout later reflects on her treatment of Boo remembering Atticus’s advice which was that “you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them.” and Scout thinks that “Just standing on the Radley porch was enough.” showing that she was able to see his point of view and change her own opinions. When Boo asks Scout to lead him home, he does so “in the voice of a child afraid of the dark.” which contrasts with the children’s fear of him at the beginning of the novel, using a metaphor to indicate his shyness. This helps Scout