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Questions and Answers
How does Scout describe Mrs. Dubose?
How does Scout describe Mrs. Dubose?
Mrs. Dubose is an old, cranky woman who spends most of each day in bed and the rest in a wheelchair.
What does Jem do to Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes?
What does Jem do to Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes?
What does Atticus mean by 'The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience'?
What does Atticus mean by 'The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience'?
He means that one's conscience guides them to determine right or wrong, regardless of majority opinion.
What punishment does Jem receive for his actions against Mrs. Dubose's flowers?
What punishment does Jem receive for his actions against Mrs. Dubose's flowers?
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What is odd about Mrs. Dubose's behavior during Jem and Scout's visits?
What is odd about Mrs. Dubose's behavior during Jem and Scout's visits?
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What does Atticus teach Scout about the offensive word used by Mrs. Dubose?
What does Atticus teach Scout about the offensive word used by Mrs. Dubose?
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What significance does the alarm clock hold in Mrs. Dubose's room?
What significance does the alarm clock hold in Mrs. Dubose's room?
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What does Atticus reveal to Jem and Scout after visiting Mrs. Dubose's house?
What does Atticus reveal to Jem and Scout after visiting Mrs. Dubose's house?
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What was Mrs. Dubose's goal before she died?
What was Mrs. Dubose's goal before she died?
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What is Atticus's definition of 'real courage'?
What is Atticus's definition of 'real courage'?
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What lesson is Atticus teaching Jem through the example of Mrs. Dubose?
What lesson is Atticus teaching Jem through the example of Mrs. Dubose?
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What does Atticus give to Jem from Mrs. Dubose?
What does Atticus give to Jem from Mrs. Dubose?
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Study Notes
Mrs. Dubose Characterization
- Mrs. Dubose is portrayed as an old, cranky woman who spends most of her time in bed or a wheelchair.
- She verbally torments Jem and Scout, believing they will amount to nothing.
- Scout and Jem harbor intense dislike for her due to her cruel demeanor.
Jem's Rage and Actions
- Jem reacts in anger by cutting the tops off Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes after she insults Atticus.
- His rage accumulates over time, culminating in this violent outburst.
- The insult towards Atticus drives Jem to lose control in response to Mrs. Dubose's provocations.
Atticus's Morality Lesson
- Atticus emphasizes that personal conscience overrides majority opinion when determining right and wrong.
- His defense of Tom Robinson illustrates his commitment to his own moral compass despite societal disapproval.
Jem's Punishment
- Jem's penalty for vandalizing Mrs. Dubose's flowers is to read to her every afternoon and on Saturdays.
- He resents this punishment due to Mrs. Dubose's intimidating presence and the oppressive atmosphere of her home.
Mrs. Dubose's Strange Behavior
- During visits, Mrs. Dubose exhibits alarming fits after the initial alertness period.
- Her erratic behavior includes slow head movements and excessive saliva, indicating her struggle during withdrawal.
Atticus's Perspective on Insults
- Atticus teaches Scout that derogatory terms are expressions of ignorance and reveal the speaker's character.
- He reassures her that such words have no real power, emphasizing the importance of self-worth.
Alarm Clock Significance
- The alarm clock serves as a signal for Jem and Scout to leave Mrs. Dubose's house, controlling the duration of their visits.
- Over time, they notice that the clock signals later as Mrs. Dubose increases her resistance to morphine.
Mrs. Dubose's Death and Legacy
- Atticus informs Jem and Scout of Mrs. Dubose's death and her long battle with morphine addiction.
- Her fits were withdrawal symptoms, highlighting her struggle against great pain.
Overcoming Addiction
- Mrs. Dubose's goal was to defeat her morphine addiction before dying, showcasing her determination.
- Jem's reading provided distraction, helping her extend intervals between doses, contributing to her goal.
Definition of True Courage
- Atticus defines "real courage" as undertaking a challenge knowing it's unlikely to succeed but persevering regardless.
- Both Mrs. Dubose’s battle with addiction and Atticus's defense of Tom Robinson exemplify this principle.
Complexity of Human Nature
- Atticus aims to teach Jem that good and bad traits coexist in everyone, even in seemingly malevolent individuals like Mrs. Dubose.
- This understanding prepares Jem and Scout for the complex moral realities they will face during the upcoming trial.
Jem's Reaction to Mrs. Dubose's Gift
- Jem receives a camellia from Mrs. Dubose, initially reacting with anger and frustration.
- After reflecting on her bravery, he becomes more contemplative, symbolizing growth in his understanding of her character.
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Description
Explore the character of Mrs. Dubose from Chapter 11 of 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' This quiz tests your understanding of how Scout describes her and the feelings of Jem and Scout towards her. Delve into the complexities of her character and the lessons she imparts on the children.
