Monday, November 10, 2014

What is Atticus's old nickname in To Kill a Mockingbird?

This is a great question, as it gets to the heart of
Atticus. Here is the context. In chapter ten, there is a problem with a rabid dog. When
Calpurnia sees this, she calls Heck Tate, the sheriff and
Atticus.


They see the dog and it is obviously not well. At
this point, Atticus tells Heck to take the shot, before the dog harms anyone. However,
Heck says that this is a one-shot job, and he urges Atticus to take the shot. Atticus
declines, but Heck asks him again and reminds him that he is the best shot in town. In
fact, he reminds Atticus of his nickname - "One-shot
Finch." 


This is an important dialogue for two reasons.
First, Jem and Scout complain that Atticus is too old and not fun like the other dads.
So, when they find out that Atticus is a marksman, they are impressed and realize that
there is a deeper side to their father.


Second, Atticus
symbolically saves the town by putting down a rabid animal. He is the one who will help
bring order in a down that has gone mad with racism in the Robinson
trial. 

No comments:

Post a Comment

What accomplishments did Bill Clinton have as president?

Of course, Bill Clinton's presidency will be most clearly remembered for the fact that he was only the second president ever...