To Kill a Mockingbird

A Maturing Relationship

Harper Lee’s book, To Kill a Mockingbird, about Jem, Scout, and Dill growing up in Maycomb County and their fascination and thoughts about Arthur (Boo) Radley is very exciting and interesting. The children’s personalities change drastically throughout the story as well as their views of Boo. Growing up is the process of shifting from a child to a young adult. Watching their views grow and their minds expand made the book appealing and fascinating.

Jem, Scout, and Dill had many ideas on how to contact Boo Radley. Writing to him was an intelligent plan because they were scared to talk to him. Jem says, “He goes out all right, when it’s pitch dark. Miss Stephanie Crawford said she woke up in the middle of the night one time and saw him looking straight through the window at her… she said his head was like a skull lookin’ at her” (Lee 12). Dill decided to attach a note to a fishing pole, while Scout and Jem put a note in a knothole in a tree in the Radley yard. The night before Dill was to return to Meridian, the kids had an idea on how to approach Boo. They crawled behind the Radley home to look in the back window, and Jem was caught in the process by Nathen Radley, Boo’s brother. A warning shot was fired and the kids ran like zebras running from lions. Jem’s pants were caught in the Radley’s fence, so he squirmed out and ran home in his boxers. The relationship with Boo only elevated from there.

Boo had many feelings towards the children including love. As much as they wanted to reach him, he wanted to contact them as well. Boo’s feelings are demonstrated by the following quote: "Thank who?” Scout asked. “Boo Radley.” Atticus replied “you were so busy looking at the fire you didn't know it when he put the blanket around you.” My stomach turned to water and I nearly threw up when Jem held out the blanket and crept toward me. “He sneaked out of the house-turn 'round-sneaked up, an' went like this!” (Lee 72). On her way home from school one day, Scout found gum in the knothole, which led to many more presents