Editor's Choice
What are the tragedies in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Quick answer:
Dill Harris's family situation is rather tragic. In chapter 14, Dill runs away from home and hides underneath Scout's bed. After Dill reveals himself, Atticus allows Dill to spend the night, and Dill elaborates on his sad situation. Dill explains to Scout that he ran away because he feels like his parents do not want him. Dill tells Scout, "The thing is, what I'm tryin' to say is—they do get on a lot better without me, I can't help them any. They ain't mean. They buy me everything I want, but it's now you've-got-it-go-play-with-it" (Lee, 145).Dill Harris's family situation is rather tragic. In chapter 14, Dill runs away from home and hides underneath Scout's bed. After Dill reveals himself, Atticus allows Dill to spend the night, and Dill elaborates on his sad situation. Dill explains to Scout that he ran away because he feels like his parents do not want him. Dill tells Scout,
"The thing is, what I'm tryin' to say is—they do get on a lot better without me, I can't help them any. They ain't mean. They buy me everything I want, but it's now you've-got-it-go-play-with-it" (Lee, 145).
Dill clearly feels unwanted and alienated in his home, which is why he decides to run away. Dill's parents seem to dismiss him and allow him to spend each summer with his aunt in Maycomb. Dill's tragic family situation also explains his behavior and why he is continually exaggerating stories about his...
Unlock
This Answer NowStart your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
life in front ofJem and Scout. Dill is a humorous, enthusiastic, innocent character, which makes his unfortunate family situation tragic.
Dolphus Raymond's situation is also tragic. Dolphus is forced to feign alcoholism in order to avoid confrontations with the prejudiced citizens of Maycomb. Dolphus lives a taboo lifestyle by openly living with a black woman; he has several biracial children. The racist citizens of Maycomb disapprove of his lifestyle, and he is forced to live like an outcast in his community.
The story of Tom Robinson is certainly a tragic one. Beginning with a simple act of kindness toward Mayella Ewell, he sets into motion a series of events that lead to charges of rape, his imprisonment and trial, and a guilty verdict, leading eventually to his own death. It becomes obvious through the testimony that Tom is innocent and his accusers, Mayella and Bob Ewell, are guilty of false accusations--and Bob of beating his own daughter. His own physical disability and his simple, honest manner make him an even more tragic character. In a newspaper editorial, his death is likened
... to the senseless slaughter of songbirds by hunters and children.
Boo Radley's story is also a tragic one. Beginning with an act of teenage hooliganism, Boo's young life slowly wastes away inside the secretive walls of his family's house. His father's punishment is cruel and unusual, and Boo eventually becomes the butt of town gossip and the victim of Maycomb's fear of the unknown. Boo is believed to be some kind of monster, "a malevolent phantom," blamed for
... Any stealthy small crimes committed in Maycomb
Unlike Tom, Boo emerges as the tragic hero: a man who saves the lives of Jem and Scout; rids Maycomb of its evil scourge, Bob Ewell; and then fades away--never to be seen again--within the self-imposed prison of the Radley House.