It is necessary for a hero to stand up for what he believes in. They stick to their moral and ethical principles, no matter if they are criticized in the process. He shows his integrity with Mrs. Dubose. She is irritable, vicious and detested by most. Whenever Jem and Scout, Atticus' children, pass by her house, she always scolds and insults them. “'You'll grow up as a waiter if someone doesn't change your ways - a Finch who waits tables at the OK Café - ah!'” (Lee 135). Atticus always tells them, “She's an old lady and she's sick. Keep your head high and act like a gentleman. Whatever he says to you, it's your job not to let him make you angry'” (Lee 133). And every time they passed his house, Atticus was courteous and said, "Good evening, Mrs. Dubose!" You look like a painting tonight'” (Lee 133). Atticus still treats her with respect as he is a gentleman. But one day Jem lost his temper because Mrs. Dubose crossed the line. “'Your father is no better than the niggers and trash he works for!'” (Lee 135) Jem takes a baton from Scout and destroys all of Mrs. Dubose's camellia bushes. As a rebuke, Jem had to go to her house every day for a month and read to her. Scout goes with him and they tolerate Mrs. Dubose's peculiar abuse and attacks, which occur at the end of each reading session. Each session is longer than the previous one. Mrs. Dubose dies shortly after