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To Kill a Mockingbird

by Harper Lee

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Student Question

What is Nathan Radley's purpose in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Quick answer:

Nathan Radley serves as Boo Radley's protective brother and head of the Radley household in To Kill a Mockingbird. His actions, such as cementing the knothole in the tree where Boo communicates with Jem and Scout and firing a shotgun at the children, highlight his role in maintaining the Radleys' reclusive lifestyle. As a minor character, Nathan's primary purpose is to illustrate Boo's isolation and the mystery surrounding the Radley family.

Expert Answers

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Nathan Radley is the brother of the mysterious Boo Radley in Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird. After Boo's father dies, Nathan takes over as head of the household and, presumably, as the protector of Boo. Very little is known about "Mr. Nathan," and he is only mentioned a few times in the story. His most prominent appearance comes when he cements up the knothole in the tree--the secret hiding place where Jem and Scout communicate with Boo. He also fires a shotgun at the kids one night, and helps out a bit on the night of the big fire. He is a minor character, serving only as a connection to Boo.

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