I believe that the mad dog most obviously symbolizes three things: Tom Robinson, Tom Robinson’s trial, and racism in general. I am aware that you (Ms. Elkjaer) have asked for a response that his approximately one half of a page long. Because I am unable to address all three of these points in that space, I will use the first as my main idea while the final two will be extra, should you choose to read them. The initial similarity that can be seen between Tim Johnson and Tom Robinson is their first names. The mad dog represents Tom Robinson because of the inevitability of their respective circumstances and their respective fates. Ironically, in Tom Robinson’s case, Atticus is trying to prevent him from being shot, while in Tim Johnson’s circumstances, Atticus is the one trying to shoot the dog. With both Tim Johnson …show more content…
Heck Tate places Atticus in a position where he must shoot the dog and Judge Taylor assigns Atticus the defense of Tom Robinson. Tim Johnson's fate is sealed when he causes madness in one of Maycomb’s streets and Atticus is required to shoot him dead. Atticus senses something in the nature of a duty to protect his family and others. Perhaps Atticus even feels that a bullet in the head will end Tim Johnson's misery. Tom Robinson's fate is sealed through the severe racism found within Maycomb. Atticus has been assigned by Judge Taylor to defend him and he feels he is responsible for defending him to the best of his ability. However, with the rifle, Atticus controls Tim Johnson's outcome, while Atticus is not in control of the result of Tom Robinson’s trial given the harsh racism in Maycomb. One of Scout’s