Final answer:
Scout and Jem are curious if their neighbor Boo Radley has the ability to contribute something valuable, exemplifying a theme in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' that delves into understanding outcasts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scout and Jem wonder if Boo Radley can do anything of worth. This literary query is sourced from Harper Lee's classic novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," where the characters proactively contemplate the capabilities and worth of their reclusive neighbor, Boo Radley. Throughout the narrative, the children's understanding and perception of Boo Radley evolve, making this a central theme as they confront their own prejudices and maturation. Literature often explores such complex character dynamics and the intrinsic value of individuals deemed as outcasts by society.