m. Shortly after theend of Jem's punishment, the children find out that Mrs. Dubose had passed away frommorphine addiction. Atticus explains to the children that Mrs. Dubose acted in such amean manner because she was going through such pain. As a result, Jem and Scout gainan understanding for the type of person Mrs. Dubose was and her views of life.When Scout and Jem meet Dill, their daily adventures become more exciting. Afterhearing the horrible tales of Boo Radley from Jem, Dill creates games about Boo. Thechildren wonder about Boo and his strange way of life, but really have no idea of who heis. At one point, the children trespass the Radley property in hopes of finding some cluewhich will better explain Boo's character. As the story progresses, Boo becomes more of asymbol of kindness and bravery than that of a freak, which he is thought to be. He leavestreasures for the children in the hollow trunk of a tree, and watches out for Jem and Scoutwhenever possible. In the end, Scout realizes that Boo is not a monster at all, but simply aperson who is misunderstood by the people of Maycomb. At the end of the story, both Jem and Scout have better perspectives on racism andhuman dignity. They learn about prejudice, courage, and judging others. Though racism isa controversial matter in their town, Jem and Scout manage to escape from other peoples'ideas and secure their own. For example, throughout Tom Robinson's trial, Jem and Scoutkeep their beliefs about his innocence. They saw him for who he was, not for the color ofhis skin. Later on, Scout also realizes that she was the same towards Boo Radley. Whenshe first meets him, she learns how unfair she had been to him, believing all the horriblestories without actually knowing him....
