Final answer:
Boo Radley is a reclusive character in 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' Initially, Jem and Scout describe him as a ghost-like figure and believe him to be mentally unstable, but their understanding of him evolves throughout the novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
Boo Radley in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
Boo Radley, whose full name is Arthur Radley, is an enigmatic and mysterious character in Harper Lee's novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' His background is shrouded in rumors and mystery, and he is the subject of local legends in Maycomb. According to the town's gossip, Boo had a troubled youth, which led to his reclusive lifestyle as an adult. He lives in a dilapidated house and is seldom seen by the townspeople.
Jem and Scout initially describe Boo Radley with a mixture of curiosity and fear, fueled by town gossip. Physically, they imagine him as a sort of monster, almost ghost-like, with descriptions of him having a ghastly appearance. Mentally, they believe him to be unstable or even dangerous, largely because they lack understanding and are influenced by the prejudices and superstitions of those around them.
As the story progresses, the children's understanding of Boo evolves. They begin to see him as a protective figure after he leaves them gifts in the knothole of a tree and ultimately saves them from harm. This transition in their perception of Boo Radley shows the novel's themes of empathy, compassion, and the dangers of judging others without knowing their story.