In their interactions with Mrs. Dubose, Scout and Jem first learn to bite their tongue. They are insulted by Mrs. Dubose and must learn to ignore the nasty comments she makes and not retaliate. After Mrs. Dubose passes, the children learn tabout he strength and courage it takes to overcome inner demons like Mrs. Dubose did when she overcame her drug addiction. In this entire situation, the children also take away the old adage "never judge a book by it's cover." They understand finally that Mrs. Dubose was crabby and mean because of her addiction and desire to end it.
