Illustration of a bird perched on a scale of justice

To Kill a Mockingbird

by Harper Lee

Start Free Trial

Student Question

What feelings does the final scene of To Kill a Mockingbird evoke in you?

Quick answer:

The final scene of To Kill a Mockingbird evokes feelings of relief and satisfaction. Readers feel relieved that the children are safe and pleased that Scout finally understands her father's lessons about compassion and the sin of killing a mockingbird. Additionally, the transformation in the children's view of Boo Radley highlights a major lesson of the novel: recognizing the humanity in others.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

The last scene in the book is rather anti-climactic, compared to what comes just before it. After the struggle under the trees and Jem being wounded, the last scene is relatively quiet and almost obvious. I am always pleased that Scout finally "gets it," that she understands what her father has been trying to teach her about having compassion for others and the sin of killing a mockingbird.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

I think when I first read this book, I remember feeling intensely relieved that the children were saved, but also really pleased at the way that their view of Boo Radley was challenged and transformed. The way they come to view him as a normal human being seems to be one of the major lessons of the novel for me, as they break through their stereotypical views of him to recognise that he is a living, breathing human just like them rather than the bogeyman they had believed him to be.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

For me, the major feeling is of wondering what happens next.  It's not exactly anticipation, because I don't get to find out what happens next.  Maybe it's curiosity and a desire to understand what has really happened in these people's lives.

For example, I want to know if Boo's life really has been changed.  He has been drawn out a bit by the kids, but has it been enough to really allow him to become in any way normal?  Has this whole experience actually been good for him or is it simply a minor blip in his life.

I have similar questions about what happens to Mayella and to Calpurnia and to so many of the people of Maycomb.

That's my feeling on finishing this book -- this part of their lives is over, but I wish I could know more.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

While your question heavily resembles one a teacher would ask on a final test, I will give you my feelings so that you may translate your own, in your own words, appropriately.

In the final scene of "To Kill a Mockingbird", Bob Ewell attacks Scout and Jem. Boo Radley comes to the aid of the children and kills Ewell.

In reading this, one could experience many different feelings. One could experience elation that the children escape virtually unharmed (Jem receives a broken arm). Another could experience anger given Ewell attacks defenseless children because of their father's actions. Lastly, one could experience gratitude given Boo came to the rescue of the children.

Ones experience with a text varies greatly depending upon which aspect, and character, a reader relates to or emphasizes with the most. For me, I always felt sorry for the stigmata that Boo Radley lived with.

Therefore, I would say that I experienced a sense of happiness that Boo finally is able to break the stereotype he had been labeled with for many years. He was not the monster of the rumors. Instead, Boo's character changes dramatically in the eyes of the children, the community, and the reader.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial