How Does Calpurnia Mature In To Kill A Mockingbird
Calpurnia
Some people find it difficult to show their affection for others. Calpurnia, in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, possesses this problem. The black cook loves the Finch children, but she has a hard time expressing that to them. In the beginning of the book, Calpurnia appears oppressive and harsh to the main character, Scout. As the story progresses, however, she reveals her other side. Slowly, Scout comes to realize that Calpurnia is actually protective, mannerly, and above all, an understanding friend. Lee hints that Calpurnia is very protective of the children all throughout the book. She really portrays this protectiveness when Calpurnia brings the kids with her to church. Calpurnia subdues the adult equivalent of a bully, Lula, when she objects to the Finches coming to the black First Purchase Church. Scout describes it by saying, “I felt …show more content…
Calpurnia’s hand dig into my shoulder. ‘What do you want, Lula?’ she asked, in tones I had never heard her use”(158). In addition, she doesn’t think that the children belong in the courthouse, and she does what she can to keep them from it.
Calpurnia has a very strict set of manners as well.
When Aunt Alexandra suggests that Atticus get rid of Calpurnia, he rejects the idea, and commends Calpurnia for raising the children up to her standards. Calpurnia also reprimands Scout for pointing out her guest’s bad eating habits. “‘There’s some folks who don’t eat like us,’ she whispered fiercely, ‘but you ain’t called on to contradict ‘em at the table when they don’t’”(32). Even if they don’t enjoy learning them, she knows that her lessons in manners will help them in the future.
Calpurnia’s most kindly asset, though, is her ability to understand other people. Sometimes, from Scout’s point of view, the family cook seemed to have a sixth sense. “Perhaps Calpurnia sensed that my day had been a grim one: she let me watch her fix supper”(38). Knowing that Scout’s day had been rough, Calpurnia, with her mother-like tenderness, tried to console her the best way she knew how. Calpurnia also understood the children’s problems with each other. When Scout and Jem started to not get along as well, Calpurnia understood and was kinder to both of
them.
Sometimes it seems as if Calpurnia is just a drag on the family, and maybe even a harmful influence on the children. Aunt Alexandra seems to be of this mindset. However, in reality, Calpurnia helps hold the family together. She loves the children and knows that sometimes a hard lesson is a lesson well learned. Moreover, the kids will appreciate it in the end. Calpurnia’s protective, mannered, understanding nature makes her an excellent caregiver for Jem and Scout.
Some people find it difficult to show their affection for others. Calpurnia, in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, possesses this problem. The black cook loves the Finch children, but she has a hard time expressing that to them. In the beginning of the book, Calpurnia appears oppressive and harsh to the main character, Scout. As the story progresses, however, she reveals her other side. Slowly, Scout comes to realize that Calpurnia is actually protective, mannerly, and above all, an understanding friend. Lee hints that Calpurnia is very protective of the children all throughout the book. She really portrays this protectiveness when Calpurnia brings the kids with her to church. Calpurnia subdues the adult equivalent of a bully, Lula, when she objects to the Finches coming to the black First Purchase Church. Scout describes it by saying, “I felt …show more content…
Calpurnia’s hand dig into my shoulder. ‘What do you want, Lula?’ she asked, in tones I had never heard her use”(158). In addition, she doesn’t think that the children belong in the courthouse, and she does what she can to keep them from it.
Calpurnia has a very strict set of manners as well.
When Aunt Alexandra suggests that Atticus get rid of Calpurnia, he rejects the idea, and commends Calpurnia for raising the children up to her standards. Calpurnia also reprimands Scout for pointing out her guest’s bad eating habits. “‘There’s some folks who don’t eat like us,’ she whispered fiercely, ‘but you ain’t called on to contradict ‘em at the table when they don’t’”(32). Even if they don’t enjoy learning them, she knows that her lessons in manners will help them in the future.
Calpurnia’s most kindly asset, though, is her ability to understand other people. Sometimes, from Scout’s point of view, the family cook seemed to have a sixth sense. “Perhaps Calpurnia sensed that my day had been a grim one: she let me watch her fix supper”(38). Knowing that Scout’s day had been rough, Calpurnia, with her mother-like tenderness, tried to console her the best way she knew how. Calpurnia also understood the children’s problems with each other. When Scout and Jem started to not get along as well, Calpurnia understood and was kinder to both of
them.
Sometimes it seems as if Calpurnia is just a drag on the family, and maybe even a harmful influence on the children. Aunt Alexandra seems to be of this mindset. However, in reality, Calpurnia helps hold the family together. She loves the children and knows that sometimes a hard lesson is a lesson well learned. Moreover, the kids will appreciate it in the end. Calpurnia’s protective, mannered, understanding nature makes her an excellent caregiver for Jem and Scout.