White Camellias and Short Tempers

I just finished reading chapter 11 and this so far has been my favorite chapter. I know that we all by now had a little bit of an understanding for who Mrs. Dubose was, but this really made her seem more like a real person. When Jem gets mad at Mrs. Dubose for almost making fun of Atticus and he goes and destroys all of her camellia bushes, it made me realize how short-tempered Jem was and how immature he really was. I also started to remember the times where I really wanted to do the same thing. I will be honest with you; I actually have a bad temper and can be very immature about things. Therefore, when Jem went on his rant, I could really see where he was coming from. I doubt I am the only one. Have you ever been standing around with another group of friends and then all of the sudden they start talking about one of your other friends that are not there in a mean way? Do you say anything or do you keep quiet? When that happens to me, I normally end up sticking up for that person even if that makes me exiled from the group. I am not trying to sound perfect by any means, but I just do not have the patients to put up with people talking badly about my friends. Jem ends up being punished for his outburst and ends up having to read to Mrs. Dubose every day. Mrs. Dubose then takes this time to throw many fits of her own to Scout and Jem at the end of every session. Have you ever done something like stick up for someone and then end up being punished for your action or words? I cannot remember a specific incident when I got in trouble, but knowing my temper and smart-alecky mouth, I bet I have. What is interesting and almost moving about this chapter is that Mrs. Dubose dies just a little while after his sessions with her end. Atticus then tells Jem that Mrs. Dubose was dealing with a morphine addiction and that the reading sessions were helping her battle with the addiction. Mrs. Dubose had left a box for Jem with the maid, which was given to Atticus. Inside was a single white camellia. I just think that is so powerful. Despite Mrs. Dubose being such a mean women, this act of kindness and to me forgiveness makes her seem so much sweeter and more real to me. What do you all think? After Jem got the box, did you create a new opinion about Mrs. Dubose? What were your thoughts about her before she died? Also, think about this one: Is this a good example of real life? Do we sometimes change our opinions after they die or leave us? Why do you think we do this? Well, I hope you are enjoying the book so far. Happy Blogging! :]