In
chapter eleven,andhave an unfortunate, upsetting interaction with their racist neighbor, Mrs.
Dubose. The Finch children cannot stand interacting with Mrs. Dubose and are continually
offended by her racist, inappropriate comments. Scout mentions that Mrs. Dubose had previously
called her and Jem the sassiest, most disrespectful mutts to ever walk past her home and said
that it was a pity thatnever remarried after the death of their mother. Mrs. Dubose also
criticized Atticus's parenting skills in front of Jem and Scout by saying that it was a shame he
let his children run wild.
When Jem and Scout walk to the store to spend some
of his birthday money, Mrs. Dubose initially accuses them of skipping school and breaking Miss
Maudie's scuppernong. She then criticizes Scout for wearing overalls and says that Scout will
end up waiting tables at the O.K. Caf© when she gets older. When Jem attempts to lead Scout
away, Mrs. Dubose says,
"Not only a Finch waiting on
tables but one in the courthouse lawing for niggers!...Your fathers no better than the niggers
and trash he works for!" (Lee, 55).
Mrs. Dubose's
comment infuriates Jem, who ends up destroying her camellia bush in a fit of
rage.
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