* He's not what people think: Scout and Jem initially perceive Dolphus as a drunkard, a man who has "fallen from grace". However, they later discover he pretends to be drunk to justify his unconventional lifestyle. He drinks Coca-Cola and allows people to believe he's an alcoholic to explain his choice to live with a black woman and have mixed-race children. This reveals a societal prejudice that labels people based on appearances and stereotypes.
* The importance of perspective: The children learn that appearances can be deceiving. What seems like weakness or moral failure in Dolphus is actually a calculated choice to shield himself from societal pressure and live authentically. This challenges the kids' initial perceptions and encourages them to question the validity of assumptions.
* The hypocrisy of society: Dolphus's situation highlights the hypocrisy of the white community in Maycomb. While they condemn his interracial relationship and call him a "fallen" man, they are deeply prejudiced against black people themselves. Dolphus chooses to be "misunderstood" by the white community, rather than face the consequences of living openly and honestly.
* The power of empathy: Dolphus's story teaches Scout and Jem about the importance of empathy and understanding. They realize that he is a man with a complex life who chooses to live according to his own morals, even if it means being ostracized. This encourages the children to approach others with open minds and genuine curiosity.
Through Dolphus Raymond, Harper Lee reveals the deep-seated prejudices and hypocrisy of Maycomb society. She exposes the absurdity of judging individuals based on superficial appearances and encourages her readers to embrace empathy and critical thinking.