Discussion Topic
Heck Tate's reluctance to shoot Tim Johnson in To Kill a Mockingbird
Summary:
Heck Tate's reluctance to shoot Tim Johnson in To Kill a Mockingbird stems from his acknowledgment of his own limitations as a marksman and his trust in Atticus Finch's superior shooting skills. Aware of the danger the rabid dog poses, Tate defers to Atticus to ensure the safety of the community.
Why doesn't Heck Tate want to shoot Tim Johnson in chapter 10 of To Kill a Mockingbird?
The sheriff of Maycomb County, Heck Tate is an old friend of Atticus Finch. Atticus always addresses the sheriff as "Heck," but Tate respectfully defers, calling Atticus "Mister Finch." Tate does not have a problem killing Tim Johnson, the rabid dog; it was probably not his first encounter with rabies. However, knowing that Atticus was once known as "Ol' One Shot... the deadest shot in Maycomb County," Tate decides to hand the rifle over to a better shooter--a skilled marksman. Atticus objects, but "Tate almost threw the rifle at Atticus," who responds by calmly putting a single shot between Tim's eyes. It is all a surprise to Jem and Scout, who never knew about their father's hidden talent. Sheriff Tate later tells Atticus that
"You haven't forgot much, Mr. Finch. They say it never leaves you." (Chapter 10)
The rabid dog, Tim Johnson, is...
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in the middle of the street directly in front of the Radley house. He needs to be stopped where he is, or else he might go down a side street where there may be unsuspecting people out. The shooter must have impeccable aim, however, because if he misses, the bullet will go straight into the Radleys' house, possibly hitting someone inside. Heck Tate knows that he is not as good a shot as Atticus, so he does not want to take a chance on missing in such a critical situation. He asks Atticus, whom he knows "was the deadest shot in Maycomb County in his time", to do the job instead.
An extremely humble man who accepts violence only as a last resort, Atticus has not picked up a gun in thirty years. His children know nothing of his reputation; he has never said a word about it to them. When Tim Johnson comes staggering up the block, Atticus recognizes the danger and tries to urge Heck Tate, the sheriff, to shoot him quickly, but Heck Tate, in evaluating the situation, concludes that they will only have one chance, and that Atticus is the better man for the job. At Heck Tate's insistence, Atticus takes the rifle, and with obvious skill fires off one shot. Apparently, Atticus's ability with the rifle has not diminished over the years, because he hits Time Johnson right above the left eye; the poor dog never even knows what hits him (Chapter 10).
In chapter 10 of To Kill a Mockingbird, why doesn't Heck Tate want to shoot Tim Johnson?
In Chapter 10, a rabid dog named Tim Johnson staggers down the main street of Maycomb. When Sheriff Tate arrives, he gives his gun to Atticus and insists that he take the shot. However, Atticus is reluctant to take the rifle, but Sheriff Tate insists that Atticus take the shot. Sheriff Tate mentions that he is not a good shot and knows that Atticus is an excellent marksman. Sheriff Tate is also aware of Atticus' adolescent nickname "Ol' One-Shot" and does not want to risk shooting a stray bullet that may hit the Radley home. Sheriff Tate feels more comfortable with Atticus taking the shot, which is why he gives his rifle to him. Essentially, Sheriff Tate is not confident in his abilities as a marksman and knows that Atticus is a better shot than him. Atticus takes the rifle, then shoots and kills Tim Johnson in one shot.
On page 104 Lee writes, "Take him Mr. Finch." Mr. Tate handed the rifle to Atticus; Jem and I nearly fainted,
"Don't waste time, Heck," said Atticus. "Go on."
"Mr. Finch, this is a one-shot job."
Atticus shook his head vehemently:"Don't just stand there, Heck! He won't wait all day for you -"
"For God's sake, Mr. Finch, look where he is! Miss and you'll go straight into the Radley house! I can't shoot that well and you know it!"
"I haven't shot a gun in thirty years-"
Mr. Tate almost threw the rifle at Atticus. "I'd feel mighty comfortable if you did now," he said.
I don't think that Heck Tate necessarily does NOT want to shoot Tim Johnson. I think that Heck Tate bows to the better shooter in this case. Atticus was nicknamed Ol' One Shot back in his day because of his sharpshooting skills. Heck is the kind of person who is not afraid to do what is right and that means choosing the right person for the job, which in this case means Atticus. Besides, the danger of Heck missing means that a rabid AND injured dog is still running around and Heck just will not allow that on his watch.