An Unexpected Hero

Jem and Scout are out for a Halloween pageant, and Scout is a ham. After embarrassing Mrs. Merriweather onstage, they decide to go home. On their way home, they are suddenly attacked by a man who tries to break Jem's arm, and he tries to choke Scout to death. After they fight, a man comes from behind and stabs the man trying to kill the children. Scout's costume saves her, but Jem is severely hurt. Dr. Reynolds tells Atticus that Jem will live, and Mr. Heck Tate comes to investigate the scene. It was Mr. Bob Ewell, and he is dead. After a few conversation, and Scout's retelling, they find out their savior is Boo Radley, or Mr. Arthur Radley.

Arthur Radley is an interesting character. He prefers the company of children, similar to Mr. Dolphus Raymond's company of blacks. He acts like a child. In a way, he is like Lennie is "Of Mice and Men." He has a mental disability that makes him act like a child. For so many times over the course of the book, Boo Radley has helped the children. He sewed up Jem's pants, he put the blanket over Scout at the fire, and he put the presents in the knothole. Boo just wanted friends, and after he saved Scout and Jem, he finally got some.