To Kill A Mockingbird- Chapter 11
By Avery, Olivia, and Pooja
Summary
When Scout and Jem were young they would always go into town together. Scout and Jem would always pass Mrs. Dubose's house, an old, bitter, ill, woman who had a talent for making people feel horrible. Mrs. Dubose insulted Jem and Scout in some way or another everyday. One day Mrs. Dubose said his dad was "No better than the black people and trash he works for." What Mrs. Dubose had said hit Jem in a deep spot, so he cut off all the tops of camellia bushes she had in her yard. His punishment was going to her house everyday and reading to her. When he got there the first time, he realized how sick she truly was. She was always a dull gray color, had spit by her mouth, and pale eyes. After about a month and a week of reading to her Mrs. Dubose said he didn't have to come read to her anymore. In spring, Atticus went to Mrs. Dubose's house. He was gone until nightfall and when he came back he told Jem that Mrs. Dubose had died. She has been addicted to morphine and used it as a painkiller. Atticus explained to Jem that just because she had different opinions and views on things does not mean she wasn't a great brave lady.
Plot Connection
Jem had to grow up a little and stand up for his father and own up to what he did. He had to read because he ruined her flowers.Page 149"I wanted you to see what real courage is" hid father told him that the reason he made him read to Mrs. Dubose was for him to be shown what real courage was and that it wasn't just a man with a gun. He had to own up to what he did and endure the consequences.