In tkam, What does Mr. Raymond drink out of a paper sack? Why does he do this?

1 answer

In "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Mr. Dolphus Raymond, a white man who is known for associating with black people, is often seen drinking out of a paper sack. The paper sack is actually hiding a bottle of Coca-Cola filled with alcohol.

Mr. Raymond pretends to be drunk as a way to cope with the hypocrisy and racism of Maycomb society. By making people believe he is always intoxicated, he provides them with an explanation for his unconventional behavior and lifestyle choices, especially regarding his relationships with African Americans, which would otherwise be deemed inappropriate by the societal norms of that time. It allows him to navigate the complexities of a racially divided community without facing direct confrontation or judgment.