Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Chapter 11~Ben Mager

Plot Summary

The chapter starts with a description of Mrs. Dubose. She was an old, ill women filled with insults to Gem and scout. She was also very mean. She threatened to call their principle on a Saturday because they were playing hooky, and she insulted their whole family.

Jem had a lot of money from his 12 birthday, so he brought Scout to the town to get a steam engine and a baton for Scout so she can twirl. On the way their, they ran into Mrs.Dubose, who just said nothing but insults. They later just walked away. Later, Gem took Scouts baton and demolished all of Mrs. Dubos's bushes, then split the baton in half. Scout was angry, but Gem just kicked her to the ground and pulled her hair. When Atticus found out, he made Gem go talk to Mrs. Dubose. His punishment is to read to her everyday after school, and to fix the bushes every Saturday.

The first day, he went with Jem. Mrs. Dubose made him read Ivanhoe, and corrected ever word he got wrong. She started acting weird and an alrm clock went off. Jessie came in and made Jem and Scout leave. Time for medicine. When they got home, Atticus gave Scout 2 pencils and Gem a magazine. All the days ended up like that.

On the last day, Atticus visited. Mrs. Dubose made Gem stay for another week, even though the month was over.

Major Changes and Development

There are a few changes to the development of the book.

  • We meet Mrs. Dubose, who is an old lady that lives two houses down the street.
  • We also see Gem's angry side when he destroyed her bushes.
  • Gem learns the true meaning of courage from visiting her house.

Significant Quotes

"Your father's no better than the n*****'s and trash he works for. (pg 135)

Shows that their family isn't respected by a lot of people, including adults like Mrs. Dubose.

"I wanted you to see what true courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is someone with a gun. Its when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through, no matter what." (Page 149)

Atticus teaches Gem and Scout what courage is.

Literary Elements

Simile when Atticus greeted Mrs. Dobuse. Said she looked like a picture, comparing her to piece of art.

Metaphor "Her face was the color of a dirty pillow case. Showing how gross she looked.

Vocab

Passé'- Out of style, no longer fashionable.

Baton- A stick used by twirlers. They throw it up and it lands and they catch it.

Critical Thinking

1. Do you think it is weird that Mrs. Dubose won't insult Atticus to his face, but will insult Atticus and the whole family in front of Scout and Gem.

2. Was Atticus right to send Gem to her house just to teach him what courage was, or do you think it was risky of him?

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