What happens?

Heck Tate (the sheriff) and Atticus were requested by the nanny, Calpurnia to shoot a 'mad dog' (Tim Johnson), that was spotted by the mischevious couple: Jem and Scout.

Mr Heck Tate wasn't apt enough to take out the dog with his rifle, so Atticus shot it instead - "A little to the right" according to Tate.

Why is it significant?

It is significant because this book is riddled with characters who hold may secret talents held back to deprive the

Our main characters Jem and Scout realise that their father, Atticus, has real talent that they can boast about. Previously, they were ashamed of their father's lack of talent and him being just an old lawyer.

This is also significant because it gives us a good view of what Atticus means to the community. He is the only person that they trusted to take care of such a unsure situation.

What does it tell us about -

Atticus

It tells us that Atticus is a man of more talents than meets the eye. He is humble and modest about his talents and does not make the the main thing about himself - they do not define who he is as a person.

"Marksmanships a gift of God, a talent - oh, you have to practise to make it perfect but shootings different from playing the piano or like. I think maybe he put his gun down when he realized that God gae him an unfair advantage over most living things. I guess he wouldn't shoot till he had to and he had to today"

Scout

She knows only as much as Atticus tells her in terms of his "achievements". Furthermore, she only knows what is necessary to know - that is why Atticus comes across as a rather bland character in her eyes.

Jem

That he respects Atticus's wishes in hiding unecessary information about his past. Also this is where Jem does start to idolise his father.