In chapter six, Dill saves Jem and Scout from further interrogation by covering up the absence of themselves in the community gathering as well as the odd absence of Jem’s pants. After an intimidating walk to the Radley lot, Dill decides to peek in the side window to see if he can catch a glimpse of Boo Radley. After an unsuccessful attempt, Jem suggests that the group go to the back side of the house. Against all of Scout’s suggestions, Jem proceeded to creep up the back steps when Scout and Dill noticed a shadow that soon crept over Jem’s body. After the shadow came a loud gunshot, causing the group to run through the fences of both the Radley lot and the school yard, where Jem fell down because his pants were caught on the wire. He writhed out of his pants and proceeded with the group to the Finch’s house. As they walked towards the small gathering of Maycomb County townspeople concerned by the sound of the gun shot, Atticus promptly questioned Jem about his pants. Jem was unnerved for an instant, but then Dill stepped in. “Ah- I won ‘em from him,” exclaimed Dill. As Dill began to explain to Atticus the fake strip poker game in which Dill won Jem’s pants, Atticus started to believe this and therefore did not put Jem or Scout at fault. This point in the novel was the first time so far that we have seen a defensive and caring side of Dill; the action of standing up for his friend in need shows us the strong bond he has made or is trying to make with Jem and Scout.
“I admired my brother. Matches were dangerous, but cards were lethal.”
Tynan
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