Eric                                            English 8
9/20/18                                        TKAM

Chapter 6/7:   Why do the children play the “Radley Game?”  What does it reveal about them (together and individually)? (Eric)

    Dill has just moved back to Maycomb for the summer, and as they have gotten more mature from last summer, Harper Lee sees this as an opportunity to show a new side of the three kids. The three of them begin to play act the legend of Boo Radley when Harper Lee writes: “As the summer progressed, so did our game. We polished it and perfected it… It was a melancholy little drama, woven bits, and scraps of gossip, and neighborhood legend” (Lee 52). This make-believe game provides a getaway from their lives during the great depression. It offers them the ability to escape into a new character and to connect with each other while they learn about the superstition around the legend of Boo Radley. For Jem the game lets him take on a role of leadership while he directs their play, which will be an essential skill later in his life. The game offers Scout something where boys and girls can collaborate, and it gives her an opportunity to spend more time with her brother and their friend. This summer it is evident that Jem and Dill are becoming more independent, so this game lets her spend time with them. Dill is a good actor, and gets into his role well, being exposed to this gives him a chance to do what he loves. In the 1930’s a boy that is passionate about acting might not get as much support from his father or other family members. This play-acting game is crucial because it gives all of them an opportunity to escape, and to enjoy the happy moments in the depressed time that they live in.

Do you think that some of the legends are true? Do you think that the other neighbors find this enjoyable to watch? Is there anything that I missed?