The Truth About Boo Radley in Killing the MockingbirdPeople's first impressions are often lasting impressions, especially in the minds of children. Many times these impressions, aided by misunderstandings and prejudices, cause unfair discrimination against an individual. To kill a Mockingbird depicts themes of misunderstanding and prejudice that portray Arthur (Boo) Radley as a villain. Through the progressive revelation of Radley's character, the children realize that their negative impressions and fear of him were unfounded. Through gradual stages of change, from Boo's total misunderstanding, to the realization of an error in judgment, to a reevaluation followed by a change of heart, to a growing trust and acceptance of Boo, and finally to an appreciation of his true character, Le Jem, Scout and Dill's impressions of Radley are dramatically altered. At the beginning of the novel, many of the townspeople's falsehoods portray Boo Radley as a villain. These misguided views, very evident in the adult community, are well illustrated by Miss Stephanie Crawford. Helps distort children's impressions. Because Atticus, though often questioned, does not want to create a breach of etiquette, he refuses to talk about the Radleys. Therefore, Jem gets most of his information from Miss Stephanie Crawford, a neighborhood scold, who insists she knows the whole truth about the Radleys. It is from Crawford that the children learn about Radley's scissor attack on his father and other interesting rumors. Therefore, Arthur Radley is labeled a “hant,” a possibly mad and dangerous man, and the “malevolent ghost” (Lee, p. #). The latter arises from the fact that Radley had not been seen for many years, and was beli... middle of paper... realization for Scout; he recognizes Radley's good nature and kindness. He realizes that Radley gave them life, the most important gift of all that Radley has actually found a place in the hearts of children, and through his natural goodness emerges as the true hero of To Kill a Mockingbird. Through many key stages of the novel, Boo Radley's character is slowly revealed depicting his true self initially as negative Impressions undergo a metamorphosis, Radley's character is gradually revealed. This growth and process of change makes the children and the reader realize that prejudice about a person generally results in a misrepresentation of an individual. Because of this misstep in the judging process, many potential heroes may disappear from our lives forever. Works Cited Lee, Harper. To kill a thrush.