What does Jem learn when Atticus forces him to read to Mrs. Dubose as a punishment? Why does he regard her as the "bravest person" he ever knew?in...

Although Jem only realizes later, this arrangement
requires inner strength from both Jem and Mrs. Dubose. Jem must fight with his anger
through all of the terrible, cruel things that Mrs. Dubose says about his father the
Finch family. It is incredibly difficult for him to be polite to her under these
circumstances, he aims to emulate Atticus, and so he keeps his anger under control.
Through this he learns inner strength and understands what it is to be a man above
anger, like Atticus.

Yet it is Mrs. Dubose who faces true
punishment. She is forcing herself to fight her addiction to morphine, which requires
great willpower and hidden bravery. This time with Mrs. Dubose becomes an important part
of Jem and Scout growing up. Although she is antagonizing and cruel, through Atticus the
children learn of her considerable strength of character. They also learn by her example
the true meaning of bravery-beating a drug addiction, and having no cravings when she
died. Thus, they have one final instruction in courage and grace before they have to
actually practice those values.