Calpurnia's Church and Double Life

Calpurnia takes the children to her church, revealing the segregated world and her own dual identity.

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The Invitation

The Invitation The Decision Calpurnia asks Jem and Scout if they want to come to church with her. She is responsible for them while Atticus is in Montgomery. The children agree. The Preparation Calpurnia scrubs them clean and dresses them in their Sunday best. She wants them to make a good impression. The children are excited to see a different church. The Journey They walk to First Purchase African M.E. Church, located in the Quarters beyond the town limits. The church is a simple, paint-peeled building with a steeple.

The Confrontation with Lula

The Confrontation with Lula The Challenge A tall woman named Lula confronts Calpurnia, asking why she brings white children to a nigger church. Calpurnia firmly replies that they are her company. The Community's Response Other church members welcome the children. Zeebo, the garbage collector, tells them not to mind Lula, who is a troublemaker. The congregation embraces them. The Lesson Scout feels the tension of racial division. She sees that not all black people welcome white visitors. The incident shows the complexity of race relations even within the black community.

The Service and Collection

The Service and Collection The Lining Hymns The church has no hymn-books. Zeebo leads the congregation in lining hymns—he reads a line, and the congregation sings it back. The music is moving and heartfelt. The Collection for Helen Reverend Sykes announces a collection for Tom Robinson's wife, Helen. The congregation gives generously, and the doors are locked until ten dollars is raised. The children contribute their dimes. The Experience of Faith Scout sees the deep faith and solidarity of the black community. The service is different from her own church but equally sincere. She learns that the church is a vital support for the Robinsons.

Calpurnia's Two Languages

Calpurnia's Two Languages The Question Jem asks Calpurnia why she talks like the rest of the colored folks at church when she can speak proper English. He notices her double life. The Explanation Calpurnia explains that she speaks differently at church to fit in. She says it would be out of place to talk white-folks' talk there. She also notes that people don't like someone who knows more than they do. The Insight Scout realizes that Calpurnia leads a separate existence outside the Finch household. She has command of two languages and navigates two worlds. This revelation deepens Scout's understanding of the complexities of race and class.

a Sunday when Atticus is away

at the church entrance

during the church service

on the walk home