In addition to recognizing that their father was not
"feeble," inadequate and unmanly, the killing of the mad dog served to teach Jem and
Scout the definition of humility. Jem wonders aloud why
Atticus had never told them about his marksmanship skills, thinking that "he'd be proud
of it." Miss Maudie explains to the children that
"People in their right minds never take pride in
their talents..."
She
explained that God-given talents are an uncontrollable human trait and, in Atticus'
case, he was actually ashamed of his ability to kill with such precision. Jem
understands his father's reaction, and warns Scout not to tell any of her classmates at
school since
"If he was proud of it, he'd'a told
us."
Jem recognizes that this
is a gentlemanly attribute that he also wants to
emulate.
"Atticus is a gentleman, just like
me!"
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