To Kill a Mockingbird: chapter 31 quotes Flashcards
‘An expression of timid curiosity was on his face’
‘Timid’ portrays Boo as a fearful, frail character, the opposite of the blood drinking beast that Jem and Scout made him out to be in their younger years. This effectively conveys the dangers of prejudging people before meeting them’
‘Boo’s hand came up, but he let it drop to the side’
In this case, Boo considers touching Jem, but realizes that Jem still thinks of him as a phantom who eats squirrels and performs sinister activities late at night, so he keeps his hands to himself. This shows that he is thoughtful and considerate.
‘I was beginning to learn his body English’
After observing Boo for the most part of the evening, Scout begins to understand him, and that he is actually the emotional opposite of the town’s suspicions.
‘He almost whispered it, in the voice of a child who was afraid of the dark’
‘His hand tightened on mine and he indicated that he wanted to leave’
These quotations show how innocent Boo is, personifying him as a scared child. This surprises Scout more than she expected based upon her previous views.
‘She would see Arthur Radley escorting me down the sidewalk, as any gentleman would do’
Scout reflects on how the tables have turned regarding Boo, who she now calls Arthur, showing her respect and maturity towards him.
‘He had given us our lives’
‘We had given him nothing, and it made me sad’
Scout realizes all that Mr Radley has don for her and her brother and feels guilty that they have no way of repaying him.
‘Just standing on the Radley porch was enough’
This refers back to Atticus’ teachings earlier on in the novel. Scout sees the Radley’s from their perspective and suddenly realises what her father meant.
‘Most people are Scout, when you finally see them’
Scout shares her experiences with her father, who shares a final piece of wisdom which acts a summarising life lesson of the story.
