While we know he's a real person and not a ghost, his appearance is shrouded in mystery throughout the story. The children only have glimpses of him, and the adults rarely speak of him directly.
Here's how Harper Lee handles the absence of a visual description:
* Focus on his actions: At the end of the story, Boo saves Jem and Scout from Bob Ewell's attack. Lee focuses on his actions and the impact they have on the children, rather than on his physical characteristics.
* Scout's perspective: We see Boo through Scout's eyes. Her initial impression of him is based on rumors and speculation. Even after their encounter, she is still hesitant to describe him fully.
* Symbolism: Boo's appearance is less important than his symbolic role in the story. He represents a person misunderstood and ostracized, much like Tom Robinson. He also represents the power of empathy and the potential for redemption.
In conclusion, Lee avoids describing Boo's physical appearance at the end of the story, choosing instead to focus on his actions and the impact he has on the characters. This reinforces the idea that appearances can be deceiving and that true understanding lies in actions, not physical traits.