In this chapter, Calpurnia becomes a more involved and deep character and acts as the bridge between the black and white world of Maycomb for Scout and Jem. In the beginning of the chapter, Scout is very upset about Jems comment about her being not “girly” enough and she goes to Calpurnia. Calpurnia responds with comforting words, “Don’t you fret too much over Mister Jem...Baby, I just can’t help it if Mister Jem is growin’ up” (Lee, 153). In the opening chapter, Scout explains how she used to fight with Calpurnia and how Calpurnia favorited Jem. Now Scout treats her as a mother figure and finds her when she needs help. She looks up to Calpurnia. Adding to this, Calpurnia acts like Jem and Scout’s mother when Atticus is away. She dresses them up and takes them to her black church. Lula, a church member, was very resistant but Calpurnia stood up to her and protected the kids. Calpurnia also acts as the bridge between the black and white world for Jem and Scout. During their time at church they realize how different and similar the two worlds are. Both churches pray to the same god and sing the same hymns but many blacks do not have access to good education, so they cannot read and instead repeat the hymns. Calpurnia was fortunate enough to be taught how to read by Jem and Scout’s grandfather. This also revealed how she had been connected to the family for generations. She grew up and worked on Finch’s landing before becoming the help for Atticus. The reader also learns that she has a son Zeebo, the Maycomb trash collector. Overall, Calpurnia becomes a more complex character as the reader sees her and Scout’s relationship grow and she exposes the Finch children to black culture.
Calpurina is a role model for Scout and Jem, and definitely the missing mother figure in Scout's life. Calpurnia only wants the best for Scout and Jem, and treats them with kindness. When Scout persuades Calpurnia to let her accompany her to Church, Calpurnia approves of the idea. "How 'bout it, grinned Calpurnia," (Lee 156). Lee uses language like, "grinned" which shows Calpurnia's excitement. Not only is she excited for her children, Calapurnia is proud. An important quality in a mother. When the group of three arrives at the Church, Calpurnia stands up to a woman for them. Calapurnia also gives the Finch children an insight into her separate world. As said above, she is an extremely important bridge between the black and white world for Scout and Jem. Readers are also enlightened by learning about Calpurnia's history, and connection with the family.Throughout the chapter, readers learn more about Calapurnia's complex character and her role in the story.
ReplyDeleteAdding on to both Mali and Sanya, readers learn that Calpurnia also takes church very seriously. On Sunday morning, Calpurnia takes extra care to prepare the kids for church. Scout reflects on this by saying that "she went over my patent-leather shoes with a cold biscuit until she saw her face in them" (Lee 156). When Scout asks why they are dressing up so fancily, Calpurnia says "I don't want anybody sayin' I don't look after my children" (Lee 157). This shows that Calpurnia is trying especially hard to make a good impression on the people of her church. Also, the use of "my children" suggests that Calpurnia thinks of herself as a mother to these children. Calpurnia's devotion to church and "her children" is increasingly elaborated on throughout this chapter.
ReplyDeleteI think you make a great pint. You can also see how Calpurnia acts different around the family and her friends at church. When scout asks Calpurnia why she talks differently outside of the house she says "Suppose you and Scout talked colored-folks' talk at home it'd be out of place, wouldn't it? Now what if I talked white-folks' talk at church, and with my neighbors? They'd think I was puttin' on airs to beat Moses" (Lee 167). By this Calpurnia means that because she is Black, if she talked with eloquence, people would think that she was trying to show off. This is the first time that Scout and Jem experience racism first hand. Mostly, Atticus and Capurnia try to shelter the children from racism, but as they get older they will have to learn.
ReplyDeleteI think you make a great point. You can also see how Calpurnia acts different around the family and her friends at church. When scout asks Calpurnia why she talks differently outside of the house she says "Suppose you and Scout talked colored-folks' talk at home it'd be out of place, wouldn't it? Now what if I talked white-folks' talk at church, and with my neighbors? They'd think I was puttin' on airs to beat Moses" (Lee 167). By this Calpurnia means that because she is Black, if she talked with eloquence, people would think that she was trying to show off. This is the first time that Scout and Jem experience racism first hand. Mostly, Atticus and Calpurnia try to shelter the children from racism, but as they get older they will have to learn.
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