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The mad dog in TKM symbolises racism in the small town of Maycomb. When it roams the streets of the neighbourhood, all the citizens hide away in their houses with the windows and doors all shut and board up - this symbolises the way the citizens of Maycomb are ignorant of their racist and prejudice ways. Atticus Finch 'One-shot finch', is the only one that makes a stand to racism in the book - this is well represented by the fact that it is he who shoots the dog and kills it.

1. Tim Johnson is portrayed as a dog with rabies because like prejudice it spreads throughout the south. Atticus is seen as the hero because he is fighting "prejudice."

Atticus is not allowing racism to spread any farther. This situation parallels with the Tom Robinson case. Tim also symbolises the way the citizens of Maycomb are ignorant of their racist and prejudice ways. All the citizens run away and try to hide from it just like they do with racism.

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10y ago
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1mo ago

The mad dog in "To Kill a Mockingbird" symbolizes the idea of hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface of society. Its presence serves as a warning of the racism and prejudice that the town is unwilling to confront until Atticus takes action to protect the community. Just as the dog represents these hidden dangers, so too do the town's attitudes and beliefs regarding race.

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13y ago

If you remember correctly the book states that the dog is sort of like the "community pet". Now here is where the symbolism kicks in. The dog has some sort of disease which could represent a "disease" that everyone in the town has. this "disease" could be racism. Heck Tate can't shoot the dog because he is afraid he will miss. Instead Atticus shoots the dog which shows he is one of the few people who can end slavery.

*If you want to sound extra smart:

Heck Tate is afraid he will miss. If he misses then he will hit Boo Radley's home. Now Boo Radley is the symbol for the mockingbird (along with Tom Robinson)(the mockingbird symbolizes innocent people that don't do anything wrong but are still disliked for some reason). This shows that the problem is beyond law enforcement and that if they get involved in trying to end slavery (symbolized by shooting the dog) then innocent people (such as other black) will end up getting hurt in the process.

does this help?

**reference: Mr. Fitzgerald and 9th grade English wlhs

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10y ago

At the beginning of chapter 10, Scout & Jem feel embarrassed for their father. When the mad dog comes, Atticus shoots it precisely and quickly. This awes Scout and Jem. They realise that Atticus is just very modest, and does not like to boast.

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12y ago

the children think that their father is old but that shows that there is a cool unknown side of atticus finch

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Q: In To Kill a Mockingbird how is the mad dog a symbol?
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What chapter does the dog die in to kill a mockingbird?

The dog, Tim Johnson, is shot and killed in Chapter 10 of "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Atticus Finch.


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In To Kill a Mockingbird is Mayella a mockingbird or a mad dog?

In the context of the book "To Kill a Mockingbird," Mayella Ewell can be seen as a metaphorical representation of a "mockingbird." Like a mockingbird, she is a victim of societal injustice and oppression. She is exploited by her father and suffers from the prejudices and discrimination of the community.


What kind of dog was in To Kill a Mockingbird?

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What cause the dog to roam around the neighborhood in to kill a mockingbird?

In "To Kill a Mockingbird," the dog roaming the neighborhood is described as a "mad dog" infected with rabies. It poses a threat to the community, prompting Atticus Finch to take action by shooting it to protect the residents. The incident serves as a metaphor for the underlying racism and prejudice in the town that needs to be confronted and eliminated.


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One metaphor in "To Kill a Mockingbird" is the title itself, which symbolizes the destruction of innocence. Another metaphor is Boo Radley as a "mockingbird," representing someone who is misunderstood and unfairly judged by society. Lastly, the mad dog in the story could be seen as a metaphor for the racism and prejudice infecting the town of Maycomb.


What is the mood when Tim Johnson is coming down the street in to kill a mockingbird?

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