Scout Learns of Evil in the World

1000 Words4 Pages
There is a balance between the good and the evil forces in the world. These forces are a many number of ideas, actions, and behaviors and are both present within a person and a society; however, as in the case of Maycomb in To Kill a Mockingbird, evil may be more prevalent within a society and its people. In To Kill a Mockingbird the main character, Scout, learns many lessons involving this presence of evil in her world. These lessons come from her experiences that take place within the book including her interactions with Mr. Dolphus Raymond, Miss Gates’ view of the Nazi’s and her own prejudices, and the events involving Arthur “Boo” Radley. Out of most of the minor characters Mr. Dolphus Raymond stands out as one of the more evil characters until Scout learns the truth behind his behavior. On page 200 it states, “As Mr. Dolphus Raymond was an evil man I accepted his invitation reluctantly, but I followed Dill” (Lee). Scout knows Mr. Dolphus Raymond to be evil because he drinks and is married to an African-American woman, as well as the fact that he has fathered several half African-American and half white children. During the time period that she is living in, a relationship between a white man and a black woman is strictly frowned upon, thus resulting in his alienation from society and the many rumors surrounding him. It is later learned through his conversations with Dill and Scout that his “whiskey” is in fact Coca-Cola and he pretends to be drunk to give people a reason for why he behaves the way he does. This is demonstrated in this quote, “‘I try to give ‘em a reason, you see. It helps folks if they can latch onto a reason. When I come to town… folks can say Dolphus Raymond’s in the clutches of whiskey—that’s why he can’t change his ways… It’s ain’t honest but it’s mighty helpful to folks. Secretly, Miss Finch, I’m not much of a drinker, but you see they

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