Dill shows his
sensitivity in this chapter because of the way that Mr. Gilmer harangues and challenges Tom
Robinson as he is cross-questioned at court. Mr. Gilmer is particularly insulting in the way
that he refers to Tom Robinson as "boy" and also in his tone and what he seeks to
insinuate in his words. Note whatsays about how Dill responds to this:
For some reason, Dill had started crying and couldn't stop; quietly
at first, then his sobs were heard by several people in the balcony.
Dill later explains to Scout that it was Mr. Gilmer and the way he
spoke to Tom that made him start crying, as it was "wrong," and it "just makes me
sick" for somebody to talk to somebody else--negro or otherwise--in that kind of insultng
and patronising tone of voice. Dill therefore shows his sensitivity at the way that he is able
to get upset over the terrible way Tom Robinson is treated and he recognises that there is
something supremely wrong with how Mr. Gilmer is talking to Tom and treating him. He
instinctively recognises that "it ain't right," and this shows him to be far more
sensitive than otherwho do not see anything wrong with how Mr. Gilmer is talking to
Tom.
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