Final answer:
Scout and Jem are surprised when Atticus shoots Tim Johnson because they have never known him to be skilled with a gun, revealing an unexpected side of their father.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scout and Jem are surprised when Atticus shoots Tim Johnson because they have never seen their father handle a gun before, nor have they ever witnessed his marksmanship skills. During this incident in To Kill a Mockingbird, their father Atticus Finch, who is known for his legal prowess and moral integrity, reveals an unexpected competence with a rifle when he takes down the rabid dog, Tim Johnson, to protect the neighborhood.
This moment is significant for Scout and Jem because it dismantles their prior beliefs about their father's capabilities and showcases an unanticipated side of him. Through this action, Atticus demonstrates that he possesses physical courage and practical skills that are inconsistent with the children's perception of him as simply an older, bookish lawyer. Although Atticus does not like to brag about his shooting ability, considering it an unfair advantage over other living creatures, he steps up to the responsibility when duty calls, thus imparting another lesson to his children about the complexity of moral decisions.