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Social Interaction In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Portrayed as an inhumanly and malevolent being when in reality the desire for social interaction burns within his nature but is cut off due to an agoraphobic state, Boo Radley is conflicted in terms of reaching out and socializing with his neighbors Scout and Jem Finch. This can be concluded throughout Part One of, “To Kill a Mockingbird” as Boo demonstrates forms of communication and the urge for interaction. These acts consist of Boo stabbing his father, the displacement of tree treats, and the blanket he set on Scout. Each of these help to develop an idea that he’s become exhausted of being cooped up indoors and instead wants to break free from this restraint. Thus, in Harper Lee’s, “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Boo yearns for social interaction with the Finch children.
Agoraphobics are defined as individuals with social anxiety disorders and in this case, Boo Radley happens to apply to this particular description as a result of the harsh disciplining of his father who keeps him indoors under strict surveillance. In order to obtain his freedom, Boo must kill off the main source responsible for his isolation which implies his severe actions regarding the scissors he plunged into his father’s leg. This reveals the temptation he has to proceed away from his comfort zone into the unknown province that surrounds …show more content…

In chapter 8, while Scout is nearly on end merely trying to overcome the cold weather, Boo doesn’t hesitate to comfort her with a warm blanket. This sweet gesture indicates the first known physical interaction Boo has had with the individuals of Maycomb and contradicts the rumors dispersed throughout the town. This event marks the risk Boo Radley was willing to take in order to free scout of the critical position she was in. Clearly, his social disorder was no match for the amount of compassion and fondness he has for the Finch

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