The image of a sad clown symbolically represents Dill Harris and corresponds to his personality and difficult emotions regarding his home life and parents. Following the Tom Robinson trial, Dill is so upset that he tells Jem and Scout that when he grows up he wants to become a clown. Because he is a naive child, Dill believes that becoming a clown will lead to happiness because when difficulties arise, all he will do is laugh. However, Jem corrects Dill by telling him, "You got it backwards, Dill. . . . Clowns are sad, it’s folks that laugh at them" (Lee 220). The image of a sad clown corresponds to Dill's outward appearance and inner turmoil. Similar to clowns, Dill is a silly individual who is talented and enjoys entertaining people. Unfortunately, Dill has many personal struggles and feels lonely when he is at home. Dill even runs away because he feels like he is not wanted. As Jem says, even though clowns appear to be happy, they are actually sad, which accurately describes Dill's situation and personality in the novel.

Like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, Dill is symbolized in the novel's mockingbird motif. When Atticus told Jem not to shoot mockingbirds with his air rifle, he explained himself. Mockingbirds are not destructive or predatory; they cause no harm, only adding to the beauty of the world. 

Like a mockingbird, Dill causes no harm or destruction. He is an innocent boy with tender feelings and a gentle soul. He is defenseless, except for the power of his imagination. Despite his endearing nature, however, Dill is not appreciated by his mother and step-father. He feels their lack of love and personal attention; he lives with their subtle and not-so-subtle disapproval of him and the kind of boy he is. The truth of Dill's life at home is revealed when he runs away and returns to the only place where he is really appreciated and accepted, with Jem, Scout, and Atticus.