To Kill A Mockingbird Calpurnia Character Analysis

In “To Kill a Mockingbird”, written by Harper Lee in 1960, racial discrimination is shown as a significant theme, as a result of the time and place setting of the novel- where prejudice towards the Negro community was commonly demonstrated. A character who plays a major part in this issue is Calpurnia, the Negro maid of the Finch family household. “Voice” and “place” are two literary features used to explore Calpurnia’s role in emphasising racial discrimination.

During the novel, “voice” is a literary feature that is regularly used by Calpurnia as she is at a particular advantage when assisting around the Finch household, despite being a Negro woman. The audience has clear insight of Calpurnia’s “voice” being used within the first few pages of the
When she carries out her duties as a housemaid, Calpurnia is never perceived by Jem and Scout for the colour of her skin, however, more deemed as equal and a ‘mother figure’ who demonstrates tough love towards the children. On the contrary, when Aunt Alexandra chooses to stay at the Finch Household, she shows a contemptuous attitude towards Calpurnia. Alexandra is surprised at Atticus speaking freely of how “Braxton Underwood despises Negroes” in front of Calpurnia and says, “Don’t talk like that in front of them. [...] It encourages them. You know how they talk among themselves” (pg 173), referring to the Negro community of Maycomb. Alexandra also wanted Atticus to depose of Calpurnia’s job, stating, “We don’t need her now.” (pg 150) Calpurnia is defended in both situations by Atticus, who believes that Calpurnia’s service around the house was absolutely necessary. Chapter 14 of the novel explicitly states that Calpurnia’s “place” is within the Finch Household as a faithful member until she chooses to leave, in spite of people who say otherwise because of her skin