Which universal theme is evident in this story?


Scout and Jem Finch are fascinated with their neighbor Boo Radley, who is rarely seen outside his house. Their father, Atticus Finch, is in charge of defending Tom Robinson, a black man who is accused by Bob Ewell of rape. Scout and Jem know that the story has been fabricated by the Ewells, and Tom is innocent.

Despite Atticus's efforts, the jury declares Tom guilty. A few days after the verdict is delivered, Tom is shot dead when trying to escape from prison, Scout and Jem find it extremely difficult to come to terms with Tom's fate. All this negatively affects Scout's and Jem's views of life, as they realize that humans can be evil by nature.

Bob Ewell threatens Atticus because he believes that Atticus humiliated him. To take revenge, Bob assaults Scout and Jem, but Boo intervenes and saves the children. However, while saving them, Boo accidentally stabs Ewell to death. The sheriff knows that Boo is innocent and that, if he gets arrested, he will meet the same end as Tom. He lets Boo go free. Boo talks to the children briefly and returns to his house, never to be seen again.



a.the consequences of rage and revenge


b.the conflict between imagination and reality


c.the relationship between cruelty and masculinity


d.the coexistence of good and evil