In Chapter 10, Atticus portrays modesty by not bragging after he displays his marksmanship abilities. At the beginning of the chapter, a rabid dog named Tim Johnson is staggering through the streets of Maycomb. Calpurnia spots the rabid dog and warns all the neighbors to stay inside. When Sheriff Tate arrives, he gives his gun to Atticus and tells him to take the shot. Atticus reluctantly takes the gun, shoots and kills Tim Johnson in one shot. Scout and Jem are in awe of their father's abilities. Miss Maudie tells them that Atticus was the deadliest shot in Maycomb County when he was growing up. She tells the children that Atticus' nickname was Ole' One-Shot Finch. Scout and Jem begin to wonder why Atticus never bragged about his marksmanship abilities. Maudie says that Atticus believes that his talent is God-given, and he doesn't hunt because God gave him an unfair advantage over living things. Miss Maudie makes the comment,
"People in their right minds never take pride in their talents." (Lee 130)
Jem concludes that if Atticus wanted them to know about his talent he would have told them, and decides not to brag about Atticus' ability. Jem sees himself as a gentleman, just like his father.
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