Atticus tells Jem that Mrs. Dubose was a great lady. To Jem it seems strange that his father is referring to this seemingly mean old lady as a great person. Atticus has good reasons to bestow this title apon her. Atticus says that:
“She had her own views about things, a lot different from mine, maybe… son, I told you that if you hadn’t lost your head id have made you go read to her. I wanted you to see something about her—I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. Its when you know you’re licked before begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.”
In this passage, there are several examples of how Atticus feels about Mrs. Dubose. Being told as having “her own views” is very descriptive. It shows that she did not agree with everyone on everything like most of the Maycomb residence. She has an independent opinion on issues pertaining to the daily way of life in Maycomb. Atticus also say that there is “something about her”. This shows that Atticus feels Mrs. Dubose has a unique perspective on something. It shows that she is important to the mental and emotional development of Jem and Scout. Atticus then goes on to describe her as having “real courage”. Having real courage, as it pertains to Mrs. Dubose, is that she is not afraid to tell you what she thinks on a certain thing. If she doesn’t like your behavior she will come right out and tell you that. To Atticus, that is the real sign of courage and he feels the Jem and Scout should learn from her to always defend your morals and beliefs. He says that courage is not a “man with a gun”. Atticus feels that courage is being verbally protective of ones beliefs and not fighting ones opponent. Atticus has the right to say that Mrs. Dubose is a “great lady” because her examples of courage greatly out way any other Maycombs residences examples of courage.
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