Dolphus Raymond Essay, Research Paper

Facade “I know what you mean.” These words from Dolphus Raymond not only gaveScout a surprise, but also started her first conversation with him. Through Mr. Raymond,Scout was able to see why people sometimes may act differently in front of some peoplethan they may usually behave. Before the trial, Jem explains to Scout that ever since his fiancee committedsuicide, Mr. Raymond had been drunk. However, when Scout actually meets DolphusRaymond, she finds him to be quite sober. Scout asked why he would want thetownspeople to think badly of him. Not at all offended like she expected, he answered,”Itain’t honest but it’s mighty helpful to folks…you see they could never, never understandthat I live like I do because that’s the way I want to live.” Mr. Raymond explains thatpretending that he is drunk gives people a reason not to like him or his actions. Scoutbegins to see that in his own mind, Mr. Raymond is doing the town a favor by behavingunacceptably. From that point on, Scout would know the truth behind DolphusRaymond’s actions, despite the townspeople’s interpretations and stories. In her brief conversation with Dolphus Raymond, Scout is able to begin seeingpast the facades people wear everyday. This lesson is one that everyone needs to learn inlife, the sooner, the better. I’m sure that Scout will realize this sometime later in life.Rodney Campbell