What does the mad dog symbolize in To Kill a Mockingbird?

In To Kill A Mockingbird what does the rabid dog symbolize?

• Answer:

  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