Amelia Kosmal Per 6

To Kill a Mockingbird ​SIFT Analysis # 1

Lee characterizes Boo Radley through the descriptions Jem gave of him in which he uses
visual imagery to describe him to resemble a terrifying monster. Jem mentions that Boo’s “hands
were blood-stained” due to him killing and eating raw animals (Lee 13).. The description of Boo
Radley having permanently blood-stained hands makes him seem like a ruthless murderer with
no sympathy for innocent creatures like the cats and squirrels he supposedly killed. This horrid
description may cause the children to be even more scared of Boo Radley if they ever came in
contact with him, for they might fear their own deaths after hearing about how heartless he really
is. Furthermore, as Jem’s telling his peers of the monstracity that is Boo Radly he includes that
he has a “long jagged scar that [runs] across his face.” (Lee 13). As scars are usually associated
with dangerous people, this characterization makes Boo out to be frightening person with a tough
and menacing exterior. This scar causes the kids to wonder what wicked acts Boo committed to
achieve such a nasty scar, further striking fear into these children. Boo Radley’s allegedly
monstrous and unpleasant appearance causes readers to wonder how the children will react when
they meet Boo and if he really is as horrific as he’s described by Jem.