Final answer:
Atticus Finch calls Mrs. Dubose a 'great lady' because of her bravery in fighting her morphine addiction despite being terminally ill, showing true courage in Atticus's eyes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch refers to Mrs. Dubose as a great lady, which might seem counterintuitive given her cantankerous nature. To understand why Atticus admires her, it is essential to comprehend his definition of true courage. Atticus sees Mrs. Dubose's determined struggle to overcome her morphine addiction before she dies as a profound act of will and bravery. Her fight against her physical dependence, despite being terminally ill, exemplifies her remarkable inner strength and resolves for Atticus. True courage, according to Atticus, isn't just about physical prowess or being seen as blameless; it's about persevering in a cause you believe in, despite the odds or pain involved.
Mrs. Dubose's battle against addiction in the face of certain death sets a powerful example for Atticus's children, teaching them that courage can take many forms, including battling one's personal demons. This perspective on courage, especially seen within a harshly judgmental society, underscores a major theme of the book: the importance of empathy and understanding the struggles of others. Atticus regards Mrs. Dubose's act of freeing herself from addiction as the ultimate display of autonomy and dignity, worthy of the title of a great lady.