In the last chapter of the novel, Boo Radley quietly stands in the corner of the room while Dr. Reynolds examines Jem and Atticus speaks to Sheriff Tate about Bob Ewell's attack. Scout is initially astonished to see Boo Radley for the first time but quickly forgets that he is in the room because he is so quiet. When Scout remembers that Boo is standing in the corner intently staring at Jem, she gently takes him by the hand and guides him to the side of Jem's bed. She then allows Boo to pet Jem, and he softly touches Jem's hair.
Scout then leads Boo Radley to the front porch, where he speaks his first and only words of the novel. While they are standing on Scout's front porch, Boo asks Scout, "Will you take me home?" (Lee, 282). Scout mentions that Boo spoke so softly that it sounded like...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
he was whispering. Scout then walks Boo Radley home, and he enters his house without saying another word. Scout then looks out at her neighborhood while she stands on Boo's porch and finally sees things from his perspective for the first time.
He does indeed. He speaks just five words in one of the very last pages of the book, in chapter 31. We pick up the story after Boo has saved Jem and Scout from a crazed Bob Ewell. Scout and Boo are in Jem's room, and Jem lies sleeping soundly on the bed. Scout gives a somewhat hesitant Boo permission to stroke Jem's hair. Jem wouldn't let him do it if he were awake, not in a million years, but as he's asleep then it's no problem. Boo gently puts his hand on Jem's hair. He says nothing, but Scout understands his "body English," as she calls it, and feels his hand tighten against hers, indicating that he wants to leave.
Scout accompanies Boo to the front porch of the Finch residence, holding his hand. Suddenly, Boo stops and in a barely audible whisper, says:
Will you take me home?
Scout walks with Boo up to his porch. He slowly releases his hand from Scout's grasp and closes the door behind him. And that is the last time Scout ever sees him.