What did Jem learn from his encounter with Mrs. Dubose in "To Kill a Mockingbird"?

From his
encounter with Mrs. Dubose,learns that
there is more to people than just what they show on the
surface.  He also
learns the value of self-control.  Mrs. Dubose is rude and cantankerous,
cruel
to the children and openly and vehemently critical of 's defense of Tom
Robinson.  Jem hates
her, and destroys her flowers in retaliation of her
treatment of him and his family.  When
Atticus punishes Jem by making him
read to Mrs. Dubose every day for a given period of time, Jem
must discipline
himself, bite his tongue, and be civil to the old lady.  By learning to
control
his impulses and show kindness even though he may not necessarily
feel it, Jem takes a giant
step towards adulthood.  He also discovers that
Mrs. Dubose is in reality a woman of extreme
courage, and he comes to respect
her determined strength.  Mrs. Dubose is battling morphine
addiction, and
facing the challenge with tremendous bravery and tenacious will

power.