In to kill a mockingbird, can you explain the mad dog scene?

Question

okay so i was reading this part and at first i thought it was a real dog...then they starting saying Tim Johnson and then i thought it was a human. But they kept referring him as a dog, so i got really confused. I even checked on spark notes but that wasn't very clear either. I know its a ridiculous question but i just didn't understand that part. Please help? thanks=]

Answer 1

Tim Johnson is the dog's name. When they shoot the dog because he's gone 'mad', they say they're shooting Tim Johnson, because that is the dog's name.

Answer 2

Tim Johnson is the name of this dog--and it is a dog.  The importance of this scene is to show Atticus Finch's ability, but reluctance to, destroy.  Before the witnessing his impressive shot, the children thought he was just a lame old man, who had no particular (or interesting) talents or abilities.  It shows his modesty, and his reluctance to consider firing a gun as something that deserves praise.

Answer 3

I've recently read this book, and they are referring to a dog (canine) named Tim Johnson. That, or they dog's name is Tim and the family who owns it are the Johnsons. Keep reading, it is a wonderful book!

CONTAINS SPOILERS:

And if you read farther ahead, it says they shoot him, since he is rabid. Usually people don't get shot. ;)

If you need anymore questions about this book, why don't you drop me an email?

Answer 4

There are numerous on line resources to help you with this novel, and with questions such as this one.  Many of them offer chapter summaries, list of characters, character sketches, discussions of themes, setting, imagery, and symbolism, etc.  Do a search for “study guides for To Kill a Mockingbird” etc., and you will find many sites.  Also, do a search here on yahoo answers for To Kill a Mockingbird and you will find a wealth of information.  

http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Belmont_HS/tk...

http://www.universalteacher.org.uk/gcse/...

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/mocking/

http://www.davidclaudon.com/Mockingbird/...

http://www.leasttern.com/Mockingbird/ind...

http://www.glencoe.com/sec/literature/li...

Answer 5

Can you give us the page number in which the scene is located in the book?