Dill
Introduction
Does not live in Maycomb, stays with Aunt Rachel
Neglected, passed from relative to relative
Central theme of childhood and innocence, condemned by others
Reinforce mockingbird motif – tolerance and understanding
Cannot comprehend prejudice and brutality – naivety
Innocence and Bravery
Dill’s youth is most evident throughout, more than Scout’s even though she is younger – childish
naivety
“curiosity” – he is an outsider in Maycomb and unprejudiced. Connotations of purity and innocence
“snow” “white” show he is young and uncorrupted by racism. Lee is presenting how children see
society’s issues through untainted eyes, and that they must be the vessels for change and
desegregation.
“blue eyes would lighten and darken” – antonymic pair - he is both a happy, lively character who
engages with Scout and Jem, and a child who is actually unhappy beneath his humorous surface.
When Dill taunts Jem with being afraid: “he’d never seen such scary folks as the ones in Maycomb”
it is clear he has no understanding of true fear which is why he is so emotionally affected by Tom
Robinson’s trial. Contextually highlights the divide between the American states in the 1930s and
emphasises the southern ones’ stagnant racism.
Fantasy vs Reality
Only 7 but earns the others’ acceptance through his vivid imagination. He has seen films like
Dracula so he contributes greatly to their fantasies. He retreats into his imagination as he has often
had to invent his own, magical world to combat his loneliness – escapism from his loveless reality.
Based on Harper Lee’s childhood friend Truman Capote – grew up together seeing her father fight
legal cases and stayed friends.
He finds a sense of appreciation and belonging with Scout and Jem: “lucky to have Dill”. He finally
feels valuable after continually being discarded.
Scout admires his ability to construct realms in his head: “pocket Merlin”. His imagination is
portrayed as vivacious: “head teemed with eccentric plans, strange longings and quaint fancies” –
swarming with ideas. “plans” and “longings” have connotations of wanting to get away and go
somewhere he is useful and needed.
His insecurity is augmented by the vivid tales he tells of his father: “Dill Harris could tell the biggest
ones I ever heard”. His desire to impress and hold their intention is ingrained after striving to be
useful and valued for so long, even though they see through his fabrications – sad.
Family
Similar to other characters, he’s a victim of others’ selfishness. He feels that his parents have no
time for him as they supplement their lack of attention with material objects. He is damaged by his
parents’ indifference, but finds a place in the Finch family with stability.
Dill’s parents brush him off in order to live their own lives: “was spending the summer with his
aunt, Miss Rachel, and would be spending every summer in Maycomb from now on.”
Protects Jem and Scout after they are found on the Radley Property, using his gift of invention to
deflect the attention so that they are reprimanded for “strip-poker”. He is committed to selflessly
looking out for Scout as they do for him – how a family works.
Desire to be engaged to Scout - insecure and coveting a permanent home where he can feel truly
loved. “Yawl write, hear?” Interrogative – desperate not to lose the connection – clinging to them
and fearing abandonment.
Introduction
Does not live in Maycomb, stays with Aunt Rachel
Neglected, passed from relative to relative
Central theme of childhood and innocence, condemned by others
Reinforce mockingbird motif – tolerance and understanding
Cannot comprehend prejudice and brutality – naivety
Innocence and Bravery
Dill’s youth is most evident throughout, more than Scout’s even though she is younger – childish
naivety
“curiosity” – he is an outsider in Maycomb and unprejudiced. Connotations of purity and innocence
“snow” “white” show he is young and uncorrupted by racism. Lee is presenting how children see
society’s issues through untainted eyes, and that they must be the vessels for change and
desegregation.
“blue eyes would lighten and darken” – antonymic pair - he is both a happy, lively character who
engages with Scout and Jem, and a child who is actually unhappy beneath his humorous surface.
When Dill taunts Jem with being afraid: “he’d never seen such scary folks as the ones in Maycomb”
it is clear he has no understanding of true fear which is why he is so emotionally affected by Tom
Robinson’s trial. Contextually highlights the divide between the American states in the 1930s and
emphasises the southern ones’ stagnant racism.
Fantasy vs Reality
Only 7 but earns the others’ acceptance through his vivid imagination. He has seen films like
Dracula so he contributes greatly to their fantasies. He retreats into his imagination as he has often
had to invent his own, magical world to combat his loneliness – escapism from his loveless reality.
Based on Harper Lee’s childhood friend Truman Capote – grew up together seeing her father fight
legal cases and stayed friends.
He finds a sense of appreciation and belonging with Scout and Jem: “lucky to have Dill”. He finally
feels valuable after continually being discarded.
Scout admires his ability to construct realms in his head: “pocket Merlin”. His imagination is
portrayed as vivacious: “head teemed with eccentric plans, strange longings and quaint fancies” –
swarming with ideas. “plans” and “longings” have connotations of wanting to get away and go
somewhere he is useful and needed.
His insecurity is augmented by the vivid tales he tells of his father: “Dill Harris could tell the biggest
ones I ever heard”. His desire to impress and hold their intention is ingrained after striving to be
useful and valued for so long, even though they see through his fabrications – sad.
Family
Similar to other characters, he’s a victim of others’ selfishness. He feels that his parents have no
time for him as they supplement their lack of attention with material objects. He is damaged by his
parents’ indifference, but finds a place in the Finch family with stability.
Dill’s parents brush him off in order to live their own lives: “was spending the summer with his
aunt, Miss Rachel, and would be spending every summer in Maycomb from now on.”
Protects Jem and Scout after they are found on the Radley Property, using his gift of invention to
deflect the attention so that they are reprimanded for “strip-poker”. He is committed to selflessly
looking out for Scout as they do for him – how a family works.
Desire to be engaged to Scout - insecure and coveting a permanent home where he can feel truly
loved. “Yawl write, hear?” Interrogative – desperate not to lose the connection – clinging to them
and fearing abandonment.
