I found Mrs. Dubose a really
interesting way to end part one of the novel. Her character was vile until her,
rather abrupt, end. After hearing about how she was unfortunately turned into a
morphine addict and how she wanted to break her addiction before she died, I
couldn’t help but warm up to her as a character. I also thought that her final
“gift” to Jem was genius, giving both spiteful and comforting messages. Overall,
I’m kind of disappointed that she won’t be in the story anymore.
That said, I found Mrs. Dubose’s
section of the book almost pointless. The only long-term outcome it came to was
establishing how cool-headed and positive Atticus could be. There may be future
character development in Jem because of it, but it isn’t really apparent in
this section. I also feel as though Atticus’s line “It’s when you know you’re
licked before you begin, but you begin anyway…” as a reference to how he plans
to carry out his case against the Ewells', even though the chances are not in his favor.
Angel, I agree that Ms. Dubose's part in the novel was kind of ambiguous. I thought her role was kind of awkwardly placed, but it did serve to represent racial tensions in Maycomb. I find it very interesting that she was addicted to morphine and used the children to kick her addiction.
ReplyDeleteAngel, definitely every part of the book has a greater purpose. Don't forget Mrs. Dubose! Jem learned a lesson through the experience. Through this part of the story we gain insight into what Atticus's view of true courage is - it is this definition that he wants his children to learn. Think about the camellia - hate cannot destroy where courage grows.
ReplyDeleteI too feel that Mrs. Dubose character was a bit strange but overall still a great addition to the novel. I liked how she decided to use Jem as a way to get though her addiction and left him with a parting gift.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Mrs. Dubose character was strangely put into the story. As Mrs. Schulz says that Mrs. Dubose teaches Jem a lesson, but so far hasn't been pointed out. Maybe as we read more will figure out what lesson Jem learned front that experience .
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