Hypocrisy: Though he is a wealthy and respected member of the town, Dolphus Raymond is an alcoholic who is often seen drunk in public. He is married to a black woman and they have several children together, but he does not acknowledge them as his own. This is a source of great scandal in the town, and many people are quick to criticize him for his behavior. However, Atticus Finch sees through all of this. He says, “The only thing Dolphus Raymond is guilty of is getting drunk once in a while … The main one is, if he keeps 'em drunk, he don't have to look at 'em.”
Raymond's behavior underscores the hypocrisy of Maycomb's society, which is quick to judge others while ignoring their own flaws. People of the town know Raymond has a Black family but they refuse to acknowledge it because it goes against their notions of social order.
Prejudice: Raymond's relationship with his black family reveals the deep-rooted prejudice that exists in Maycomb. People are so afraid of his example, that they choose not to see their black neighbors as fully human. Despite the fact that Raymond is a kind and generous man, he is still ostracized by the community.
Raymond shows us that prejudice and hate are often learned, and that it takes a conscious effort to overcome them.