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To Kill a Mockingbird

by Harper Lee

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In To Kill a Mockingbird, who saved Scout from being stabbed?

Quick answer:

Scout is saved from being stabbed by Boo Radley during an attack by Bob Ewell. Although Scout's ham costume plays a crucial role in her safety by preventing Bob from causing her more harm, it is ultimately Boo's intervention that protects her and Jem. The puncture marks found on Bob Ewell's arms suggest that the costume helped deflect his attack, but Boo's actions are decisive in rescuing Scout.

Expert Answers

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Scout plays the role of a ham in the school play. When she misses her cue to come on stage and enters at the wrong time, she becomes embarrassed. In order to avoid facing any of the play's spectators, Scout and Jem leave after the crowd. Scout also stays in her ham costume so that she can hide her "mortification." This turns out to be a good decision for Scout. As they are walking home, Scout and Jem are attacked by Bob Ewell. While Boo Radley intervenes to save the children, Scout's costume plays a role in her safety. When Sheriff Tate arrives, he asks Scout to tell him what happened. Scout says she was wearing her costume, which made it difficult for her to see clearly. Atticus explains that when she arrived home, her costume was "crushed to a pulp." This information leads Sheriff Tate to the conclusion that Scout's costume saved her life. According to the sheriff, Bob Ewell had small puncture wounds on his arms. They were most likely caused by Scout's costume as he tried to grab her. Bob Ewell may have been able to do her more harm if she wasn't wearing her costume.

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