In Chapter 1, Scout refers to Dill as a "pocket Merlin" for his creativity, eccentric plans, and various talents. Merlin was the talented wizard in the legendary tales of King Arthur. Merlin was not only a wizard, but he was also a prophet and King Arthur's advisor. Similar to the character of Merlin, Dill is a "Jack-of-all-trades," and fulfills the roles of various characters when the children are acting out plays for fun. Throughout the novel, Dill is always planning ways to view Scout's reclusive neighbor, Boo Radley. Scout mentions that Dill's plans are rather eccentric, and his fantasies were abnormally imaginative. Dill is constantly making up crazy stories to impress Jem and Scout throughout the novel. Much like Merlin, Dill believes in magic and superstition. Dill even claims to have supernatural powers such as the ability to "smell death." Scout uses the term "pocket" to describe Dill's small stature. Dill's variety of talents and unique personality earn him the name "pocket Merlin" in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird.
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