Where is the theme of fear portrayed in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird?

There are several scenes throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird where the theme of fear is portrayed. At the beginning of the novel, Jem, Dill, and Scout all fear the ominous Radley residence. Many terrifying rumors surround the Radley home, including the belief that Radley pecans will kill you. The children run past the Radley home on their way to school, Jem contemplates touching the side of the Radley home for three days, and Scout is reluctant to play the game "One Man's Family" out of fear that Boo might be watching them.

Another scene where the theme of fear is depicted takes place in Chapter 10. When the rabid dog, Tim Johnson, staggers down the main road of Maycomb, all of the neighbors lock their doors because they fear being bitten by the rabid dog. Fortunately, Atticus kills Tim Johnson in one shot.

In Chapter 15, Atticus and his children are surrounded by the Old Sarum bunch who wishes to hang Tom Robinson. Tom fears for his life, but once again, Atticus courageously defends Tom by refusing to step aside from the jailhouse.

Another moment where the theme of fear is portrayed is found in Chapter 23 after Bob Ewell spits in Atticus' face while he is leaving the post office. Jem and Scout fear for their father's safety and begin to lose interest in their normal activities. Jem even tells Atticus, "We're scared for you, and we think you oughta do something about him" (Lee 292). When Atticus discovers how deeply frightened his children are, he tells them that Bob got all the bitterness out of his system the morning Bob spit in his face. Atticus reassures the children that there is nothing to worry about, and they stop being afraid.

In Chapter 28, Harper Lee also portrays the theme of fear when Jem and Scout are walking to and from the Maycomb Halloween festival. On their way to the auditorium, Cecil Jacobs scares them while they are walking in the dark. When Jem and Scout are walking home, they stop and listen to hear if someone is following them. Scout gets scared and even asks Jem if he thinks they should sing to keep their minds occupied. Initially, they think Cecil is attempting to scare them again, but it turns out that Bob Ewell has been stalking them. Fortunately, Boo Radley comes to their rescue when Bob Ewell attacks.