In "To Kill a Mockingbird," the neighborhood's opinion of Mrs. Dubose is generally negative. She is seen as a cantankerous and mean-spirited woman who often makes harsh and insulting comments to the neighborhood children. However, her struggles with addiction and her attempt to overcome it before her death also elicit some sympathy and understanding from the community.
Atticus said to Mrs. Dubose, "I missed you today."
because mrs. dubose said that atticus "lawed for n word"
Mrs. Dubose insults Atticus and calls him names for defending Tom Robinson. Jem responds by destroying Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes. Atticus defends Mrs. Dubose because he believes in showing compassion and understanding towards others, even those who may hold different views or attitudes.
morphine
Jen destroys Mrs. Dubose's garden out of frustration and anger towards her strict and critical ways. Jen feels stifled by Mrs. Dubose's expectations and boundaries, leading her to act out destructively.
Atticus describes the camellias in Mrs. Dubose's yard as "the beginnings of a smile" which symbolizes the hope and recovery she is striving for in overcoming her addiction. He recognizes their beauty despite the negativity surrounding Mrs. Dubose.
Mrs. Dubose is battling a morphine addiction. She is trying to overcome her addiction in order to die free of it.
Jem attacks Mrs. Dubose's camellias in the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." He destroys the flowers after Mrs. Dubose insults his father, Atticus. Jem later learns the reason behind Mrs. Dubose's behavior and the significance of his actions.
Atticus tells Jem that Mrs. Dubose wanted to give him something to remember her by, which shows her attempt to make amends for her past behavior before she passed away. The gift of the single camellia flower symbolizes Mrs. Dubose's final act of kindness and courage.
Jem committed to reading to Mrs. Dubose every day for a month as a way to atone for destroying her camellia bushes. This task was challenging as Mrs. Dubose was ill and had a difficult temperament, but Jem persevered to fulfill his commitment.
Mrs. Dubose initially punishes the children for walking through her garden by making them read to her for a month.