In Chapter 10, Atticus displays his sharpshooting abilities when he shoots and kills the rabid dog, Tim Johnson, in a single shot. After witnessing their father's amazing marksmanship skills, Jem and Scout are shocked and in awe of Atticus. Earlier that day, the children were lamenting their father's unimpressive nature. Following his accurate shot, Miss Maudie tells the children that Atticus's nickname used to be Ol' One-Shot. Jem then mentions that Atticus never said anything...
In Chapter 10, Atticus displays his sharpshooting abilities when he shoots and kills the rabid dog, Tim Johnson, in a single shot. After witnessing their father's amazing marksmanship skills, Jem and Scout are shocked and in awe of Atticus. Earlier that day, the children were lamenting their father's unimpressive nature. Following his accurate shot, Miss Maudie tells the children that Atticus's nickname used to be Ol' One-Shot. Jem then mentions that Atticus never said anything about his marksmanship abilities. Maudie responds by explaining to Jem that Atticus has a civilized heart, and he felt that God had given him an unfair advantage over most living things. When Scout comments that Atticus should be proud of his ability to shoot, Maudie responds by saying,
"People in their right minds never take pride in their talents" (Lee 62).
Essentially, Maudie is commenting on Atticus's humble, civil disposition. Atticus giving up shooting and not bragging about his talent as a marksman coincides with his morally upright nature. Atticus is a tolerant, sympathetic man who exercises humility. The fact that he stopped shooting because he felt it was unfair displays his empathy toward other living beings. The reader realizes that Atticus is a sympathetic, fair man, and this does not come as a surprise.
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