Tim Johnson is a character in Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. He is a stray dog that appears in the story and is significant for his representation of the themes of racism and the loss of innocence.
Tim Johnson is described as having gone mad, a condition that is depicted through his erratic behavior and inability to control his actions. His affliction is typically associated with rabies, which causes the dog to become aggressive and poses a danger to the people in the community.
The situation with Tim Johnson escalates when he wanders into the neighborhood, causing panic among the townspeople. The story reaches a climax when Sheriff Heck Tate asks Atticus Finch, who is reluctantly tasked with shooting the dog, to handle the situation. This moment serves not only as a literal event but also as a metaphorical reflection of the broader societal issues at play in Maycomb.
Overall, Tim Johnson’s character serves to highlight the dangers of prejudice and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals when confronted with the broader implications of fear and violence in their community.