Thursday, October 4, 2012
Why is Dolphus Raymond in this book?
In chapter sixteen, we learn about a new character in the book: Dolphus Raymond. Harper Lee included him in this book, to show that not only do blacks and whites treat each other differently in the community, but these two groups both look down on people with mixed racial backgrounds as well. He contradicts the traditions and reality many people in Maycomb, like Scout are familiar with.
Dolphus Raymond is an example of someone who doesn't conform into Maycomb. Jem says that the "colored folks won't have them because they're half white. White folks won't have them because they are colored. So they are just in-betweens, they don't belong anywhere." (215) This quote shows the distinct line of the stereotypical judgement of acceptance in Maycomb. Jem is older and seems to understand how society looks upon different races, and tries to teach Scout that it doesn't matter if he's half white, if he has "a drop of Negro blood"(216) in him. In everyone's eyes, he is a black man.
Dolphus Raymond also seems he has given up. He drinks out of a sack openly, not caring what other people would think of him. This is probably from the pain after his wife shot herself to death. But, his actions give people in Maycomb a worse impression of him. What do you think, is Dolphus ever going to gain respect? And if Atticus wins the case, will the white people treat the blacks differently? Also, why do you think Dolphus stays in the black community?
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If Atticus wins the case i am sure people will begin to treat blacks in the community differently. However the treatment could go either way. The best case scenario is that Maycomb will realize the racism has gone to far. If Atticus wins the case then it will prove Mr. Ewell is the one who beat his daughter and not Tom Robinson and people will realize that this man decided to blame his own horrid actions on an innocent, quiet, and kind fellow just because of his skin color and because he knew of the racial prejudice. The best case is that the white's of Maycomb start to realize that the black's are not horrible inferior people and will start to grow closer to them. The worst case scenario is that Atticus will lose the case. Then the hate will start to the extreme, "oh look that evil black man raped and beat the poor Ewell girl". Boom, suddenly its grab the pitchforks and burn the evil doer. If this case is lost then the racial divide will grow larger and larger. The whites will become more and more suspicious of the blacks while the blacks feeling shunned and hated will grow more and more angry at the whites. Suddenly no black man will be trusted and men like Atticus and Dolphus will become hated ever more for their willingness to cooperate with the blacks. Not only is Tom Robinson's way of life is on the line in this case, but the racial divide of Maycomb could be strengthened or weakened as a result of this case. A lot is resting on Atticus's shoulders in this case and he must win this if he hopes to have a chance of uniting the people of Maycomb.
ReplyDeleteIf Atticus thought he could win, then why would he say, "sometimes we have to make the best of things, and the way we conduct ourselves when the chips are down." (139) Atticus knows that there is no hope in winning this case. He only went into the case to bring attention to the racism in Maycomb. Atticus has been shedding light to this serious issue, and Maycomb has mixed reactions. The majority of black people support Atticus, shown when Scout and Jem go to Calpurnia's church. But most white people feel enraged by Atticus supported Tom Robinson.
ReplyDeleteWill Atticus win or lose the court case? And if all he wants is awareness, then hasn't he already succeeded?
I think that Harper Lee put Dolphus Raymond in the book to not only show the racial tension during that time, but to also have a character other than Tom Robinson, that is outside of the "Maycomb Way." Nearly everyone in Maycomb frown down upon blacks and mixed people, why? Because they are not following the Maycomb way. People in Maycomb are all white, proper, and perfect. One human-being that doesn't follow those guidelines, gets pushed away and are presumed as a nobody, or "just in-betweens" (215). I think that Dolphus stays in the black community because he is not afraid to break out of the "Maycomb Way" which is good, and he just may pave the way for others who want to break free as well.
ReplyDeleteDo you think any other specific characters will be brave enough to break out of the "Maycomb Way" as well? Why?
I think that Harper Lee put Dolphus Raymond in the book to not only show the racial tension during that time, but to also have a character other than Tom Robinson, that is outside of the "Maycomb Way." Nearly everyone in Maycomb frown down upon blacks and mixed people, why? Because they are not following the Maycomb way. People in Maycomb are all white, proper, and perfect. One human-being that doesn't follow those guidelines, gets pushed away and are presumed as a nobody, or "just in-betweens" (215). I think that Dolphus stays in the black community because he is not afraid to break out of the "Maycomb Way" which is good, and he just may pave the way for others who want to break free as well.
ReplyDeleteDo you think any other specific characters will be brave enough to break out of the "Maycomb Way" as well? Why?
Well, clearly I think Atticus has already done so, not in terms of what race he is but that he has tolerance for all people. However I don't think that many of the other characters have a strong enough motivation or character to break out if they aren't already out of the "Maycomb Way". In response to Kaley though, I think that Atticus will lose the case because I don't think anything he can prove will be able to change the racist minds of the jury. That's just the way they've been brought up and it will take a lot more to change their opinions. And yes, Atticus has succeeded in gaining awareness. Even the little children of the town know about Atticus and that he's defending Tom Robinson.
ReplyDeleteDo you think that after the court case is over the kids and adults of the town will treat the family differently? Will they keep making fun of Scout and Jem? Do you think Aunt Alexandra will make a big deal out of the trial if Atticus wins or loses?
I agree that Harper Lee put Dolphus Raymond in the book so that we will see the incredible amount of racism in that time. I think that Harper Lee also wanted to show us that the negros were not the people retrieving the most racism, even if it was the most widespread. Mulatto's are actually the most discriminated against group of people who aren't exepted by anyone. I think that she also puts him in to show that Atticus is not the only person who understands and respects black people.
ReplyDeleteDo you think that mulatto's are the most discriminated to group of people? Do you think that Mr. Raymond will ever come back later in the book?