In chapter 20, Scout takes Dill out of the courtroom after he bursts into tears listening to Mr. Gilmer speak down to Tom Robinson. As they are walking out of the courthouse, Dolphus Raymond overhears Dill lamenting about Mr. Gilmer's treatment of Tom and says, "You aren’t thin-hided, it just makes you sick, doesn’t it?" (203) Dolphus then gives Dill a drink of his Coca-Cola to settle his stomach and sympathizes with Dill's situation. Dolphus Raymond then elaborates on how the children aren't old enough to understand the overt prejudice throughout their community but still recognize the difference between right and wrong, which is why Dill is upset with Mr. Gilmer.

Dolphus Raymond's comment foreshadows Jem's reaction to the verdict. After hearing the guilty verdict and witnessing racial injustice for the first time, Jem bursts into tears. Similar to Dill's experience in chapter 20, Jem reacts with anger and misery when Tom Robinson is wrongfully convicted. Jem loses his childhood innocence and realizes the dark reality of his prejudiced community. He becomes jaded towards the citizens of Maycomb following the trial, and it takes some time before he comes to terms with Tom's wrongful conviction.