How is Dolphus Raymond represented in
Chapters 16,17 and 18 by Harper Lee
Dolphus Raymond, though not one of the major characters in the book is used as a device by Harper Lee to help us understand the major characters such as Tom Robinson and Boo Radley. Dolphus Raymond is another Mockingbird used by Harper Lee as he has done nothing wrong (instead trying to help Dill) but is persecuted by the whole of Maycomb unjustly for something that he hasn’t even done.
Dolphus Raymond is secretive man who separates himself from the Maycomb society and the white community as well. Dolphus marries a black woman and is criticized by the rest of Maycomb County. He puts on a show of being drunk majority of time by carrying a Pepsi bottle with "alcohol" inside; to give the county something to make up for the fact that he is with a black woman. Dolphus also has several kids with the woman but they kids are also criticize because they are different than everyone else.
Probably the most prominent prejudice in the novel is the racial prejudice. Tom Robinson was a black man who was accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white girl. When Tom was put in jail awaiting trial, Atticus, his lawyer, went down one night and sat outside the jailhouse. A mob showed up that night with the intent to beat Tom Robinson but with Atticus there, the mob was stalled and eventually left. This mob was consumed with racial prejudice against the black people. Even Calpurnia, the black housekeeper for the Finches, is discriminated against. Although Calpurnia is treated fairly, it is obvious Calpurnia is considered to be on a lower social level than the Finches. Calpurnia calls Scout ma’am and Jem sir, although these are titles usually reserved for elders. An example of this is on page 207. Calpurnia addresses Jem after they have been missing at the trial all day with “Hush your mouth, sir! When you oughta be hangin' your head in shame you go along laughin'. If Mr. Finch don't wear you out, I...