In chapter 20, Dolphus Raymond befriends Scout and Dill outside of the courtroom and offers Dill a sip of Coca-Cola from his brown brag. Initially, Scout and Dill are surprised at the fact that there is Coca-Cola and not alcohol inside Dolphus's paper bag. Dolphus then explains to the children that he feigns alcoholism as a way help the racist citizens of Maycomb cope with his lifestyle.
Dolphus lives a then-taboo lifestyle by openly associating with African Americans and having several biracial children. In order to avoid conflict and help people "latch onto a reason," Dolphus finds it easier to act like an alcoholic so that people leave him alone.
After Dolphus discloses his secret to the children, Scout asks him why he decided to let them in on his secret. Dolphus responds by saying, "Because you’re children and you can understand it" (Lee 1960, 205). He then proceeds to explain how in a few years Scout and Dill will become accustomed to watching African Americans being treated unfairly and informs Scout that her father is not a "run-of-the-mill man."
By the end of their conversation, both children have a newly positive perception of Dolphus Raymond. They no longer view him as a wicked man, but as a compassionate individual with a different perspective on life. Before returning to the courtroom, Scout thanks Dolphus for his drink and honesty.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
What do Dill and Scout learn about Mr. Dolphus Raymond, and does it change the way they think of him?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Why is the fact that the Americans are helping the Russians important?
In the late author Tom Clancy’s first novel, The Hunt for Red October, the assistance rendered to the Russians by the United States is impor...
-
Friar Lawrence plays a significant role in Romeo and Juliet's fate and is responsible not only for secretly marrying the two lovers but ...
-
Resourceful: Phileas Fogg doesn't let unexpected obstacles deter him. For example, when the railroad tracks all of a sudden end in India...
-
Pablo Neruda's "Ode to My Socks" is full of figurative language, including similes and metaphors. Similes are figurative compa...
-
In the late author Tom Clancy’s first novel, The Hunt for Red October, the assistance rendered to the Russians by the United States is impor...
-
At the beginning of the Victorian period, science was generally in accord with religion, and the study of nature was conducted in such a way...
-
Evaluate $\displaystyle \int x^2 \cos mx dx$ by using Integration by parts. If we let $u = x^2$ and $dv = \cos mx dx$, then $d...
-
Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen is a coming-of-age story about a young man named Cole who undergoes a healing treatment on a deserted ...
No comments:
Post a Comment