TKAM Chapter 11 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

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?

He plants new bushes

He waters them

He cuts the tops off (correct)

He ignores them

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?

Jem must go to Mrs. Dubose's house and read to her for two hours every afternoon after school and on Saturdays. Signup and view all the answers

What is odd about Mrs. Dubose's behavior during Jem and Scout's visits?

She appears alert for the first twenty minutes, then seems to have fits, unaware of Jem and Scout’s presence. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus teach Scout about the offensive word used by Mrs. Dubose?

He explains that the word is meaningless and reflects poorly on the speaker, rather than affecting the person it's aimed at. Signup and view all the answers

What significance does the alarm clock hold in Mrs. Dubose's room?

The alarm clock signifies the end of Jem and Scout's visit and marks when Mrs. Dubose takes her medicine. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus reveal to Jem and Scout after visiting Mrs. Dubose's house?

He reveals that Mrs. Dubose has died and discusses her long battle with morphine addiction. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mrs. Dubose's goal before she died?

Her goal was to overcome her morphine addiction before her death. Signup and view all the answers

What is Atticus's definition of 'real courage'?

Real courage is when you know you are licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through. Signup and view all the answers

What lesson is Atticus teaching Jem through the example of Mrs. Dubose?

He teaches Jem that good and bad coexist in all people, even in those who seem cruel. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus give to Jem from Mrs. Dubose?

He gives Jem a box containing a white, waxy camellia. Signup and view all the answers

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.

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.