Topic > Dill's realization of the consequences of prejudice in killing a hedge thrush

Often, there is no greater power influencing an individual's development than their surroundings. It is one's society that dictates what is generally accepted and how one comes to act within that society. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, author Harper Lee develops the idea that an individual's perspective on their world can transform due to the circumstances they are exposed to in their environment. The character Dill demonstrates this idea well, as he develops in significant ways throughout the story. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Charles Baker Harris, commonly known as Dill in Lee Harper's novel, is a character with a little perspective. This is due to being young and not exposed to the different truths of life. As a result, he has predisposed ideas about people and is closed-minded. When he hears the rumors about Boo Radley, he reacts with childlike charm and believes every word. His small perspective has not yet allowed him to question points of life. Furthermore, with this fascination, he becomes determined to persuade Boo Radley to leave his house without considering how it might terrify Boo Radley. It is evident from the beginning that his childish ways make him determined and ready to believe what others have to say. His physical size compared to Jem and Scout represents how small his perspective is compared to theirs. Scout and Jem are older than him, as are their perspectives. They are more open-minded than him. Scout states that “he was a year older than me but I towered over him” (9). At the beginning of this book, Dill has a child's innocence, energy, and wonder at his surroundings. In the early chapters of the story, Scout says that “beautiful things floated around her dreamy head. He could read two books instead of one of mine, but he preferred the magic of his own inventions" (144). From the way Scout describes his nature, it is evident that he is an intelligent and imaginative child. Furthermore, in the story, he allows his imagination to overwhelm him when it comes to Boo Radley. Dill lets the stories take over his head and becomes fascinated by the ghost that is described to him. This further demonstrates his childlike innocence because he is willing to listen to the previous prejudice without question Dill's exposure to the true consequences of an unconditional attitude allows him to maintain a lighthearted and carefree view of the world Before the trial, he is still naive to the darker parts of the world as racism changes when conflict arises in the form of a trial. by Tom Robinson. Prior to this, he shows no signs of concern regarding prejudicial actions towards others, for example, in the early chapters of the novel, he continually plots ways to terrorize Boo Radley, and has an obsession with him. Before attending the trial, Dill never acknowledges that actions that dehumanize a person can have cruel effects on that individual. For example, he doesn't consider the impact his plots might have on Boo Radley. Previously, Dill only cared about others for his own benefit. However, seeing Tom Robinson speak condescendingly from Mr. Gilmer triggers a change within Dill. Mr. Gilmer's lack of courtesy is evident to Tom Robinson when he refers to Tom as "boy" instead of "sir" and sneers at every question. Dill's recognition of this causes him to cry and become frustrated. In the process, this reaction shows how his environment exposes him to the sad reality in which he has been living. Also.