Text Analysis

Tim Johnson, an old dog wanders the neighborhood as a kind of community pet until it gets rabies and Atticus is appointed to shoot it. Tim Johnson is a representation of the community's "usual disease" of racism. Like rabies, racism in Maycomb spreads from person to person and "infects" them. Racist ideals can be spread as they can be passed down from generation to generation as well as spread through talk on the street since during the time period, racism was a normal thing. 

This scene in the book is very significant as the rabid dog stands as a symbol for racism. When Atticus shoots the dog, it symbolizes how Atticus is "shooting" at racism in a way and getting rid of it. Not only this, but the scene shows how Atticus is seen as a protector of some sorts. He shoots the diseased dog to protect the neighborhood. At the same time, Atticus is protecting Tom Robinson, a black man. By protecting a black man, Atticus is helping rid the "usual disease" and protect the community from it as he is a respected man and is setting an example to the community to stop injustice and racism. 

Historical Connections

The story To Kill a Mockingbird takes place in the town of Maycomb, Alabama in the early 1930s. Although Maycomb is a made up town, the time and area it takes place in affects the entire story. Even though slavery had been abolished in the late 1800s, blacks were still not completely free in society.  "Whites and blacks were segregated in 1930s America and blacks were considered as 2nd class citizens" (oxnotes). As white people had a racist attitude towards blacks during this place and time period, it makes sense that the town of Maycomb would be completely against Tom Robinson. Tom is a black man who is accused of raping a white woman, a very serious crime. Since Tom is black, he is already looked down upon by society in the south which makes him an easy target and also makes it easy for people to accuse him of the crime.

Tolerance and Courage

The character Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird is an example of a character who portrays tolerance and courage throughout the story. As a lawyer, Atticus accepts the appointment to Tom Robinson's case. This act is a very risky thing to do, as Tom, a black man was accused of raping a white woman which is an extremely serious crime. Although the entire town would love to see Tom burn, Atticus does everything he can to make sure that Tom gets a fair trial. By doing this, Atticus is showing great courage as he is risking his good reputation, as a great, honest man, to protect the rights of a black man who is being charged with a terrible crime. Atticus is also showing tolerance as he is showing empathy and standing by an individual who is hated by the rest of society. It is already difficult for a white person to show any tolerance for a black person since they are so frowned upon by white society, but to stand by a black man who is being charged with rape takes Atticus's tolerance and wish for justice to a new level.