In this passage in Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, we see Mr.Gilmer cross-examining Tom Robinson. In his cross-examination, he is very obviously disrespectful to Tom Robinson, constantly calling him “Boy”. Scout, Jem, and Dill are all watching the trial on the courthouse balcony, but eventually Dill breaks out in crying and runs out of the courthouse with Scout following. When they are outside, they stumble upon Dolphus Raymond.
To understand this scene, you must understand some the context surrounding it. Dill is a friend of Jem and Scout who comes to where they live in the Summer. The court case happening is the result of a black man named Tom Robinson being falsely accused of rape. Dill explains after running out that he started crying because Mr.Gilmer was being so rude to Tom Robinson on the basis of his race, which Dill thought was wrong.
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During Gilmer’s cross-examination, the narrator states, ”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”(265). This shows that Dill, who still has more innocence due to his lack of exposure to racism compared to Scout and Jem is upset enough to the point that he cries, and Scout doesn’t even understand why he’s so sad. When talking to Dolphus Raymond, Dolphus says, ”You aren’t thin-hided, it just makes you sick, doesn’t it?”(266). This quote shows that Dolphus understands that Dill can’t bear Mr.Gilmer and the evil in