Calpurnia's Dual Identity

Calpurnia's navigation between the white world of the Finches and the black community of Maycomb.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Finch Household

The Finch Household The Role Calpurnia is the Finch family's cook and housekeeper. She has been with them since Jem was born. She is a mother figure to the children. The Authority She disciplines the children with love and firmness. Atticus trusts her completely. She is the only black person in the Finch household. The Bridge Calpurnia lives in two worlds. At the Finch house, she speaks proper English and follows white customs. But she is still part of the black community.

The Church Visit

The Church Visit The Different Language At church, Calpurnia speaks in the black vernacular. She is fully part of the community. She is respected and has a son, Zeebo, who leads the hymns. The Confrontation Lula challenges her for bringing white children. Calpurnia stands her ground, saying they are her company. The community supports her. The Double Life Scout and Jem see that Calpurnia acts differently in her own world. She explains that she must adapt to fit in. This shows her code-switching and the complexity of her identity.

The Teacher of Zeebo

The Teacher of Zeebo The Education Calpurnia taught Zeebo to read using Blackstone's Commentaries, the only book she had. She learned to read from Miss Buford. The Literacy She is one of the few literate people in her church. She uses her literacy to help others. She values education. The Link to the Finches Her teaching of Zeebo shows her intelligence and her commitment to her community. She is a bridge between the Finch family's world and the black community's world.

The Loyalty to the Finches

The Loyalty to the Finches The Staying Power Calpurnia has worked for the Finches since Atticus married. She is deeply loyal. She risks her own standing in the community to bring the children to church. The Maternal Care She treats the children as her own, scolding and comforting them. She is a stabilizing force in their lives. The Respect Atticus respects her as an equal. He trusts her judgment. She is a key figure in the children's moral education.

throughout the story

summer, when Atticus is away

past, revealed during the walk home

throughout the story