Boo Radley Reclusive Essay

(1) Jem Finch, shows his understanding of prejudiced opinions by moving from naivety of Boo Radley to an understanding of why Boo is so reclusive. (2) Jems naivety is shown when he makes a preconceived opinion toward their reclusive and mysterious neighbor Boo Radley. Boo Radley is thought of as a scary man by the children in the community due to Boo’s appearance in court when Boo was a teenager. Jem begins to understand why Boo is so reclusive after witnessing Tom Robinson's trial. (3) While talking to Scout and Dill outfront of the Finch’s house, Jem says he won't back out on a dare to go and touch the Radley's house, comparing making Boo come out to making a turtle come out, “Dill said striking a match under a turtle was hateful. ‘Ain’t
Jem makes this preconceived opinion about Boo based on stories he hears from other people. (5) In contrast, After Jem experiences the Tom Robinson trial he starts to understand that everyone is different and he explains to scout why Boo is reclusive, “ ‘When I was was your age. If there’s just one kind of folks, why can’t they get along with each other? If they’re all alike, why do they go out of their way to despise each other? Scout, I think I’m beginning to understand why Boo Radley’s stayed shut up in the house all this time . . . it’s because he wants to stay inside” (Lee, 304). (6) After experiencing the Tom Robinson trial Jem starts to recognize how everyone is treated differently, some in good ways and some in bad. Jem realizes that Boo is different and that is why he, “wants to stay inside”. Jem's caring character is now revealed as he respects Boo’s privacy compared to earlier when he wanted to try and force Boo outside. Jem now understands that prejudiced opinions can create a negative image about people.(7)Therefore, Jems prejudiced opinions about Boo are prominent in the start of the novel, but after experiencing the Tom Robinson's trial Jem learns how prejudiced opinions can create a negative image