Podcast
Questions and Answers
How does Scout describe Mrs. Dubose?
How does Scout describe Mrs. Dubose?
Mrs. Dubose spends most of each day in bed and the rest of it in a wheelchair.
What action does Jem take that shocks Scout?
What action does Jem take that shocks Scout?
Jem rushes into Mrs. Dubose's front yard and cuts the tops off all her camellia bushes.
What does Atticus mean by saying, 'The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience'?
What does Atticus mean by saying, 'The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience'?
Your own conscience must tell you what is right or wrong, regardless of others' opinions.
What is Jem's punishment for his actions towards Mrs. Dubose's flowers?
What is Jem's punishment for his actions towards Mrs. Dubose's flowers?
Signup and view all the answers
What is odd about Mrs. Dubose's behavior when Scout and Jem visit?
What is odd about Mrs. Dubose's behavior when Scout and Jem visit?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Atticus's response when Scout mentions the insults Mrs. Dubose has called him?
What is Atticus's response when Scout mentions the insults Mrs. Dubose has called him?
Signup and view all the answers
What significance does the alarm clock by Mrs. Dubose's bed have?
What significance does the alarm clock by Mrs. Dubose's bed have?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Atticus tell Jem and Scout when he returns from Mrs. Dubose's house?
What does Atticus tell Jem and Scout when he returns from Mrs. Dubose's house?
Signup and view all the answers
What was Mrs. Dubose's goal before she died, and how did Jem help her achieve it?
What was Mrs. Dubose's goal before she died, and how did Jem help her achieve it?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Atticus say 'real courage' is, and how does it relate to Mrs. Dubose?
What does Atticus say 'real courage' is, and how does it relate to Mrs. Dubose?
Signup and view all the answers
What lesson is Atticus trying to teach Jem when he talks about Mrs. Dubose's bravery?
What lesson is Atticus trying to teach Jem when he talks about Mrs. Dubose's bravery?
Signup and view all the answers
What did Atticus give to Jem from Mrs. Dubose, and what was Jem's response?
What did Atticus give to Jem from Mrs. Dubose, and what was Jem's response?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Mrs. Dubose's Character
- Mrs. Dubose is described as a woman who spends "most of each day in bed and the rest of it in a wheelchair."
- Jem and Scout harbor strong dislike for her due to her harsh behavior.
Jem's Outburst
- In a fit of anger, Jem destroys Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes after she insults Atticus, calling him "no better than the ******s and trash he works for."
- This insult triggers Jem's emotional outburst, leading him to lash out physically.
Conscience and Morality
- Atticus asserts that a person's conscience is independent of majority opinion, emphasizing the importance of personal moral judgment.
Jem's Punishment
- Jem is sentenced to read to Mrs. Dubose daily for two hours after school and on Saturdays as a consequence of his actions.
- He feels resentful and displeased with this punishment.
Mrs. Dubose's Behavior
- During visits, Mrs. Dubose exhibits strange behaviors resembling fits or seizures, suggesting she is struggling with her addiction.
Atticus's Advice
- Atticus teaches Scout that the derogatory terms used against him are meaningless and advises her not to internalize such insults.
The Alarm Clock's Symbolism
- The alarm clock by Mrs. Dubose's bed signals when it's time for her medicine, marking the end of her readings with Jem.
- Scout observes that they are allowed to stay longer each day as the alarm rings later, indicating Mrs. Dubose's gradual struggle against her addiction.
Mrs. Dubose's Death
- Atticus informs Jem and Scout of Mrs. Dubose's passing after being summoned to her house.
Overcoming Addiction
- Mrs. Dubose's last goal was to overcome her morphine addiction before her death.
- Jem's reading served as a distraction that aided her in managing withdrawal pain.
Definition of Courage
- Atticus defines "real courage" as the determination to fight against overwhelming odds, relating it to Mrs. Dubose's battle with addiction and his own moral stand in the Tom Robinson case.
Lesson on Human Complexity
- Atticus aims to teach Jem that both good and bad traits exist within all individuals, urging a nuanced understanding of morality.
Jem's Gift from Mrs. Dubose
- Jem receives a box containing a "white, waxy, perfect camellia," which initially leads to his shock and anger, representing a complex emotional legacy from Mrs. Dubose.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers key themes and character analyses from Chapter 11 of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. Explore your understanding of Mrs. Dubose and her impact on Scout and Jem, along with pivotal events from the chapter.
