Mrs. Dubose's Redemption

The journey of Mrs. Dubose from a hateful neighbor to a symbol of true courage.

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The Vicious Old Woman

The Vicious Old Woman The Daily Terror Mrs. Dubose is a mean, racist old woman who lives two doors up. She insults the children and Atticus every time they pass. She is a source of fear and hatred for Jem and Scout. The Rumors She is rumored to keep a Confederate pistol under her shawls. She is bedridden but still powerful. The children try to avoid her, but it is impossible on the way to town. The Deep Wound Her insults about Atticus lawing for niggers cut deep. Jem especially is affected. She represents the town's prejudice in its most personal, venomous form.

The Camellia Destruction

The Camellia Destruction The Final Straw After Mrs. Dubose calls Atticus a nigger-lover and worse, Jem loses control. He destroys her camellia bushes with Scout's baton. The Punishment Atticus forces Jem to apologize and work on her garden. He also must read to her for a month. Jem is terrified of going into her house. The Beginning of Change This punishment sets the stage for the revelation of Mrs. Dubose's true struggle. Jem's forced proximity leads to understanding.

The Reading Sessions Reveal

The Reading Sessions Reveal The Strange Behavior During the readings, Mrs. Dubose has fits. Her head moves, she drools, and her mouth works uncontrollably. The children are frightened but do not understand. The Medical Reality Jessie, the maid, gives Mrs. Dubose medicine after each session. The alarm clock marks the time. The sessions are timed to her withdrawal schedule. The Hidden Battle Mrs. Dubose is a morphine addict. She is using the reading sessions to distract herself from the pain of withdrawal. Her goal is to die free of addiction.

The Camellia Gift

The Camellia Gift The Death Mrs. Dubose dies a few weeks later. Atticus brings Jem a candy box containing a white camellia, a Snow-on-the-Mountain. The Explanation Atticus explains that Mrs. Dubose was determined to break her morphine addiction. She succeeded. She left the camellia for Jem as a sign of forgiveness and respect. The Redemption Jem initially throws the box away, but later he touches the petals. Atticus declares Mrs. Dubose the bravest person he ever knew. Her courage in the face of death redeems her in the children's eyes.

throughout the children's early years

a Saturday after Jem's birthday

during the month of reading

after her death