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

In to kill a Mockingbird, how did jem's perception change of atticus when atticus shot the mad dog????

  • In to kill a Mockingbird, how did jem's perception change of atticus when atticus shot the mad dog????

  • Answer:

    I would say that he saw his Dad in a more respectful light, more as a man than as a father. Doing what he needed to do to protect the ones he loves.

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This was a real pivotal point for Jem. He had always wanted to see the skill that everyone had been talking about in Atticus. He wanted his father to be like the heroes he thought he idolised. But the incident with the dog changed Jem in two ways. He saw his father exert his "strength" in killing the dog, but he had to see how much it hurt Atticus to take another living creatures life. I think that it really made Jem see Atticus as a human being, capable of hurting and being hurt. It's a tough lesson that every child meets. It's the first time that a parent is taken down from the massive pedestal that young children put them on.

Hallie W

It is obvious that this is a homework question for your Language Arts class. But I'll try and help you. I'd say that when he shot the dog, he thought that he was maybe a tad more cruel and a little more manly. He also seemed to question his authority at the same time. You can quote me directly, but I'd recommend that you just say this all in a paragraph or two. Best of luck on that homework!

Quaggy

uh i forgot.... it was something like he found out that atticus had a secret past that he had not told jem about and it was exciting for jem because he always thought his dad was just a lawyer... but after the trial and stuff he was a hero in two ways to jem. i hope that helped =]

ilikepie1231

He begins to view Atticus as someone he can look up to, someone he can be proud of, which is not how he perceived him before he shot the dog. Before Atticus shot the dog Jem viewed him as weak and not very admirable. Have a look at these links. They may give you a few more ideas about what is happening in the novel and how perspectives change. Best of luck with it.

Imaka

he thought his dad was a weak nerd. but after he shot the dog right between the eyes, he started to see his masculinity, and manliness, and started to look up to him instead of being ashamed.

e60.deluxe

he was impressed with his dad. He didnt know how good of a shot his dad had. He then figures out that his dad was the best shooter in the town or something like that. You can prob look up more about it at pinkmoney dot com. or sparknotes

Marissa C

jem realized his dad wasnt so lame after all. cuz remember, he was pissed that his dad couldnt play football, so he figured he couldnt do anything. the dog thing definately changed his mind, because in jem's eyes, having a great shot is definately something to be proud of.

kellybaby

before she didnt think he was exciting enough, after he shot the dog she thought he was a bit "cooler" now and wasnt as ashamed.

Bob

he used to think he was too old to do anything, after he shot the dog he was impressed, he realized that he never really knew what atticus was really capable of. also he found out he used to be a sharp-shooter.

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