In Chapter 11, Jem and Scout decide to head to town to
spend some of Jem's birthday money. As they pass Mrs. Dubose's house on their way to
town, she begins verbally attacking Jem and Scout in her typical manner. After accusing
both children of playing hooky on a Saturday, she wrongly blames Jem for breaking down
Maudie's scuppernong arbor earlier in the morning. Mrs. Dubose then directs her
attention toward Scout by telling her that she'll be waiting tables at the O.K. Cafe if
she doesn't change her ways. (Lee 135) Her next comment hits home and makes Jem stiffen
when she says, "Not only a Finch waiting on tables but one in the courthouse lawing for
niggers!" (Lee 135)
Following the hateful comment by Mrs.
Dubose, Jem's demeanor changes. He turns "scarlet red," becomes silent, and displays no
expression of happiness when purchasing his toy steam engine in town. On the walk back,
Jem takes Scout's new baton and begins to smash Mrs. Dubose's camellia bush. After
destroying the camellia bush, he snaps Scout's baton over his knee in a fit of rage.
Scout's explanation for Jem's reaction is that "he simply went mad." (Lee
136)
Jem had long endured the negative comments and
personal attacks from Mrs. Dubose until she verbally attacked his father. Jem looked up
to his father more than anyone in his life, and that insult stung Jem deeply. When
Atticus found out about Jem's rampage he made Jem apologize to Mrs. Dubose who requested
that Jem read to her as his punishment.
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