These two incidents could unravel a hidden trait in the characters. The traits that cannot be seen before, cannot be thought before. Atticus Finch is seen as an old-fashioned, as a man in his own world by his boy, Jem. After the incident with a dog, Jem becomes impressed by his father and in other words he discovers his father. Until this time, Jem didn't know that his father was such a good shooter.
Similarly, in the second incident we observe the same discovery. Mrs. Dubose is a very old, sick woman who lives alone and battles with her sickness which he becomes addicted to morphine. But she makes a choice and even knowing that her life comes to an end Mrs. Dubose overcomes her addiction.
The moral courage behind the stories is interpreted by Atticus himself after the death of Mrs. Dubose. He tells that the courage is something you know you're not going to win, but you do it anyway.
