The quality of people is a recurrent theme in Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird. This motif is particularly showcased through the character of Boo Radley, an enigmatic figure who has been shut away from society for years and whose inner goodness presents itself only gradually as the story progresses. Despite his reclusive nature, Boo shows great kindness towards the children Jem and Scout Finch by leaving them gifts, mending Jem’s pants and ultimately saving their lives.

Throughout the novel, Scout’s view of her neighbors shifts from one of childhood fear to understanding and appreciation as she begins to recognize that they are more than just what meets the eye. For example, while at first she perceives Boo simply as an embodiment of all things frightening such as darkness and shadows, by “seeing through” him Scout recognizes his innate decency despite being judged harshly by other members of her community. This leads to her concluding that it is not necessarily outward appearance which determines a person’s worth but instead their internal qualities such as selflessness or courage.