People different from "normal" citizens in a society are often misunderstood because they do not hold or live by the same morals or values as the majority of society. Boo happens to be a recluse whose appearances in public can be counted on one hand. People, such as the children, do not understand why he feels he does not want to venture out into the Maycomb county world. They do not understand him, so they think he must be crazy. Another poor relationship in the 1930's existed between the black and white communities of the South. In Maycomb, the average white citizen dies not trust any black man or woman. When Bob Ewell accuses Tom of raping his daughter, Mayella, the county has heard enough to believe that Tom is a dangerous man, dangerous enough to die. In both cases, society presumes the stories are true, without looking at
Boo Radley's generosity benefits Jem and Scout. The gifts Jem and Scout receive are never directly given by Boo, but every indication points to him. The gifts include, "a pocket watch that doesn't run, on a gold chain, with an aluminum knife." (pg. 60) Boo has very little, as his gifts indicate, but he gives them some of his possessions to the children anyways. More surprisingly, he gives them to the children who have harassed and bothered him. Jem and Scout never give gratitude to Boo. In the only way he knows how, Boo tires to brighten the children's lives through his anonymous presents to them.
The last parallel is the two men's generosity. Tom makes it clear in many statements during his testimony that he has performed certain chores for Mayella free of charge, on many occasions. Atticus asks Tom if has ever been inside
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