Dubose is
a morphine addict who had vowed to go clean before she died
, and enlisted Jem and Scout (without their knowledge) to keep her off the stuff for longer and longer periods of time. Atticus tells the kids the lesson he hopes they've learned from her. Even though no one would have blamed Mrs.
What is the significance of Mrs. Dubose?
Henry Lafayette Dubose
teaches the children a lesson in courage
. As Jem reads aloud to her every day for a month—a punishment for destroying her camellia bushes after she harshly criticizes Atticus—she weans herself from her morphine addiction by refusing her medicine for longer and longer each day.
Who does Mrs Dubose represent?
Henry Lafayette Dubose, a minor but important character in the story. The lesson's text analysis explores her meaning as a symbol and her function in the town. Clearly, Mrs. Dubose represents
the traditional order of the Confederate South
.
What does Mrs. Dubose death represent?
Here Atticus is explaining to Jem that courage comes in many forms. Mrs Dubose was determined to die
without needing to rely on morphine
. She achieved this but her success is tinged with sadness because she died before she could properly enjoy being morphine free. Atticus believes this makes her even more courageous.
How does Mrs. Dubose represent the Old South?
Dubose lives in illustrates
the South's refusal to change its prejudicial thoughts
. Instead of fixing the problem (figuratively removing the morphine), the South refuses to identify an issue exists. This said, Mrs. Dubose does recognize the problems.
Who does Mrs. Dubose live with?
Mrs. Dubose lives two blocks north from the Finch family and spent most of her day in bed or in a wheelchair, living with only
a female, black servant
. She had a morphine addiction for years due to a doctor's prescription, but swore to break it before her death after realizing she only had a few months to live.
Is Mrs. Dubose a good person?
Dubose is
a great lady
because she is strong-willed and proud, and lives life on her own terms. Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose is the neighbor whose house is two doors to the north (Ch. 1).
How does Mrs. Dubose represent courage?
Dubose is found in chapter 11 of To Kill a Mockingbird. The three ways that she demonstrates courage are:
by facing the world alone and sick for a very long time
; by deciding at her old age to conquer a drug addiction; and by achieving her goal to die free from said addiction.
What did Jem learn from Mrs. Dubose?
Dubose, Jem learns that there is more to people than just what they show on the surface. He also
learns the value of self-control
. Mrs. Dubose is rude and cantankerous, cruel to the children and openly and vehemently critical of Atticus's defense of Tom Robinson.
What illness did Mrs. Dubose have?
Atticus explains that Mrs. Dubose was a
morphine addict
. Her fits were a result of the withdrawal. She knew she didn't have much time, and she was determined to kick the habit before she died.
How does Mrs. Dubose win?
Mrs Dubose was
determined to die without needing to rely on morphine
. She achieved this but her success is tinged with sadness because she died before she could properly enjoy being morphine free. Atticus believes this makes her even more courageous.
Who is the bravest person Atticus knows?
Atticus thought of
Mrs. Dubose
as the bravest person because although she was in pain and dying, Mrs. Dubose was determined to break her habit. She faced death with strength and determination.
Why does Mrs. Dubose hate Jem and Scout?
Why do Jem and Scout hate Mrs. Dubose at first? They hate Mrs. Dubose at first
because she speaks rudely to them and criticizes Atticus and their family
.
Why did Mrs. Dubose give Jem a gift?
Dubose's gift to Jem is
a white camellia
. This flower is an appropriate gift because Jem has destroyed her camellias, and she knows that Jem has come to regret his violence. In a symbolic sense, her gift helps Jem understand the meaning of courage as Atticus explains it.
What did Jem do when Mrs. Dubose insult Atticus?
Dubose until she
verbally attacked his father
. Jem looked up to his father more than anyone in his life, and that insult stung Jem deeply. When Atticus found out about Jem's rampage he made Jem apologize to Mrs. Dubose who requested that Jem read to her as his punishment.
What did Atticus say about Mrs. Dubose?
When Atticus cheerily greets Mrs. Dubose, Scout believes him to “be the bravest man who ever lived.” Ironically, then, Atticus tells his children that Mrs. Dubose “‘
was the bravest person I ever knew.
‘” The fact that someone so foul and mean could be brave is new to Jem and Scout.
