Jem is upset with Mrs. Dubose's racist comments towards his father, so he retaliates by destroying her flowers as an act of rebellion. Jem is trying to stand up for his family and assert his own sense of justice in response to Mrs. Dubose's bigotry.
At first, it seems that Jem reads to Mrs. Dubose because Atticus is punishing him by telling him to go to Mrs. Dubose and apologize for what he has done. Mrs. Dubose tells him in order to make up the mess he created, he has to read to her for two hours a day for a month. Jem had pulled out many camellias and leaves on Mrs. Dubose's property because he was anguished by her comments on his father. Mrs. Dubose was the first adult to say that Atticus is no better than black people and the trash (being a lawyer) works for. After Mrs.Dubose dies, we learn that Atticus would have even asked him to de so if he didn't wreck her property. It turns out that she was a morphine addict and to get of the drug Jem would read to her so her mind and body would be of the drug so she can break her habit before she dies. Hope this helps :)
Jem knocks the heads off Mrs. Dubose's CAMELLIAS, NOT azaleas. (It is instead Miss Maudie who nurtures azaleas in her garden.). This happens in Chapter 11, page 114 (may vary depending on your particular book).
Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose is an elderly woman who lives near the Finch's. She is hated by the children, who run by her house to avoid her. Scout describes Mrs. Dubose as 'plain hell.' A virulent racist, she calls Atticus a "nigger-lover" to his children, and the upset Jem ravages Mrs. Dubose's camellias. As a punishment, Jem is forced to read to Mrs. Dubose each day for a month. Mrs. Dubose has a fit each time he reads- drooling, twitching, and more. When an alarm rings, Jem is allowed to leave. After a month and a week of reading, Jem is finally allowed to stop. Mrs. Dubose dies shortly thereafter. Atticus informs Jem that Mrs. Dubose had fallen victim to an addiction to morphine. By reading to her, Jem had distracted her so that she could conquer her addiction and die free from painkillers. In thanks, she leaves him a candy box with a camellia flower in it. Jem disposes of the box in anger, but is later seen by Scout admiring the flower. Atticus tells Jem that Mrs. Dubose was the bravest person he ever knew, and he was trying to teach Jem the importance of bravery and respect and the importance of true courage and endurance when the situation is hopeless, as in her morphine addiction. After Atticus explains why Mrs. Dubose sent him the flower, Jem learns to admire it.
Mrs. Dubose makes racist remarks about Atticus defending Tom Robinson and insults Jem and Scout’s father. She also criticizes Atticus for defending a black man, which goes against their moral beliefs. This behavior is offensive and intolerant.
The cantankerous curmudgeon callously cursed at the crying children. "Why, you cantankerous old fool!", said the wench. How long do you have to study to be so cantankerous?
Jem beats down Mrs. Dubose's camellias because he becomes frustrated with her racist remarks towards him and his family. He sees it as a way to retaliate and release his anger towards her.
In the book "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Jem is instructed to read to Mrs. Dubose as a way to teach him a lesson in empathy and understanding. Eventually, it is revealed that Mrs. Dubose was trying to overcome her morphine addiction, and her determination and courage in doing so leaves a lasting impact on Jem.
He read to her for a month for smashing her bushes. She died so his punishment ended.
Atticus believes in teaching his children empathy and compassion, even towards those who may not treat them kindly. By encouraging Jem to read to Mrs. Dubose, Atticus is teaching his children the value of understanding others' perspectives and practicing kindness and respect, even in difficult situations. It also helps Jem learn to control his temper and respond with patience and understanding.
Mrs. Dubose symbolizes courage and inner strength in the face of adversity. Through her struggle with addiction and the determination to overcome it, she serves as a powerful example of resilience and redemption in the novel. Her character also highlights the complexities of morality and the importance of understanding others' perspectives.
She teaches the kids what real courage is.