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In what ways is fear of Boo Radley presented in the novel?

You must consider the context of the novel in your answer.(AO1)

• The children’s fear of Boo Radley is shown through their vivid and exaggerated imagination, calling him a “malevolent phantom.”
 • Scout describes Boo as having “scar across his face” and yellow eyes, creating a fearful image.
 • Jem and Dill’s stories about Boo include rumors that he “dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch,” fueling superstition.
 • The children dare each other to approach the Radley house, but their fear keeps them cautious and reluctant.
 • The narrative presents Boo from the children’s perspective, showing how fear is mixed with curiosity and misunderstanding.
 • Scout’s narrative tone conveys a sense of mystery and childhood innocence that heightens the fear of the unknown.
 • The gifts left in the knothole of the tree reveal Boo’s kindness, which challenges the initial fearful impression.
 • The nighttime episode where the children try to peek into the Radley house builds tension and highlights the impact of fear.
 • Miss Maudie offers a more rational and kinder view of Boo, which contrasts with the children’s fearful ideas.

(AO4)

• Fear of Boo Radley is shaped by the Southern Gothic tradition, where eerie and mysterious characters reflect social anxieties and decay.
 • The setting of Maycomb, a small 1930s Southern town, is prone to gossip and superstition, which magnifies fear of the unknown.
 • Childhood innocence and imagination influence the children’s exaggerated and fearful view of Boo.
 • The fear represents the social isolation of those who are different or misunderstood in a racially and socially segregated community.
 • Boo Radley symbolizes the “other” in Southern society, reflecting wider themes of prejudice and fear of difference.
 • The novel explores how social context and culture create myths and superstitions around people who don’t conform to societal norms.

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