In chapter 22, Dill joins the Finch family for breakfast following the dramatic Tom Robinson trial and tails Jem and Scout to Miss Maudie's house. Miss Maudie offers the children some of her famous cake and tries to console Jem about the unfortunate verdict. Miss Maudie also explains to the children that there were many people who supported Atticus's cause. After the children leave Maudie's home, Dill says,
I think I’ll be a clown when I get grown.
Dill proceeds to say that he wants to be a clown in the future so that he can laugh away all of his problems. Dill's comment highlights his naivety and reveals his negative emotions regarding the Tom Robinson trial. During the trial, Dill lost his childhood innocence after witnessing racism play out in an official, adult sphere. In Dill's young mind, he believes that becoming a clown will solve his problems and prevent him from experiencing sad feelings and heartbreak.
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