Scout Finch, the young narrator of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, possesses a unique perspective that shapes her understanding of the world around her. This perspective is particularly evident in her views on Arthur “Boo” Radley and the potential consequences of his exposure to the outside world. This article delves into Scout’s comparisons regarding Boo Radley, examining what she equates his potential emergence from seclusion to.
Scout’s Protective Instincts and Boo Radley
Scout’s understanding of Boo Radley evolves throughout the novel. Initially, he is a figure of fear and mystery, fueled by neighborhood rumors and superstitions. However, as the story progresses, Scout’s interactions with Boo, albeit indirect, foster empathy and understanding. She begins to see him not as a monster, but as a vulnerable individual deserving of protection. This shift in perception is crucial in understanding what Scout compares Boo’s potential exposure to.
The Mockingbird Metaphor: Vulnerability and Innocence
One of the most significant comparisons Scout makes regarding Boo Radley connects to the novel’s central symbol: the mockingbird. Atticus Finch famously tells his children that it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird because they do nothing but sing beautiful songs and cause no harm. This idea of harmlessness and undeserved suffering becomes associated with Boo Radley in Scout’s mind.
Bringing Boo into the public eye, particularly after his act of saving Jem and Scout, would subject him to scrutiny, gossip, and potentially even legal proceedings. Scout recognizes that this kind of attention would be overwhelming and damaging for Boo, who is not equipped to handle the harsh realities of Maycomb’s society. In this sense, she equates exposing Boo to the public with harming a mockingbird – an act of cruelty against a vulnerable and innocent creature. He wouldn’t be able to cope with the attention and would likely be unfairly judged.
Mayella Ewell’s Loneliness: A Parallel to Boo’s Isolation
Another insightful comparison Scout draws connects Boo Radley’s isolation to Mayella Ewell’s loneliness. During Tom Robinson’s trial, Scout observes Mayella’s profound isolation and lack of connection with others. While Mayella’s loneliness stems from poverty and social prejudice, Scout recognizes a similar vulnerability in Boo’s seclusion. Both characters are ostracized and misunderstood by the community. Forcing Boo into the spotlight, Scout realizes, could lead to a similar kind of social isolation and emotional distress that Mayella experiences. He would be subjected to the same prejudices and judgments that plague Mayella.
Conclusion: Protecting Innocence and Understanding Difference
Scout’s comparisons regarding Boo Radley’s potential exposure highlight her growing maturity and compassion. She understands that forcing Boo into the public sphere would be an act of cruelty, akin to harming a mockingbird or exacerbating the loneliness of someone like Mayella Ewell. Through her evolving perspective, Scout learns the importance of protecting innocence, understanding difference, and recognizing the inherent value in those who society often marginalizes. Her final act of walking Boo home and seeing the world from his perspective solidifies this understanding, demonstrating the profound empathy she has developed throughout the novel.
