The conflict between the children and Mrs. Dubose is similar to the challenges Atticus faces while representing Tom Robinson in his upcoming trial. Mrs. Dubose is an unforgiving racist who openly expresses her ignorant views and prejudiced beliefs towards Jem and Scout. She symbolically represents Maycomb's prejudiced views towards African Americans. Jem and Scout confront Mrs. Dubose as they walk past her house and become victims of her verbal tirade. In a similar way, Atticus has to confront Maycomb's racist jury whose prejudiced beliefs can sway their decision to convict an innocent man. Unlike his father, Jem is not able to "keep his cool" and ruins Mrs. Dubose's camellia bush by bashing it with Scout's baton. Atticus is continually encouraging his children to be tolerant of their neighbors' racist views and maintain composure in the face of adversity.
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