Calpurnia plays a more prominent role inthan
she does in chapters 13 and 14. In chapter 12,is out of town on a business trip and Calpurnia
decides to takeandto Sunday service at First Purchase African M.E. Church. Before the children
attend Cal's church, she makes sure they are thoroughly washed and that their clothes are in
immaculate condition. When Jem asks what all the fuss is about, Cal replies,
"I dont want anybody sayin€˜ I dont look after my
children..." (Lee, 119).
Cal's comment and careful
preparations reveal that she takes pride in caring for the Finch children and is serious about
her job. Cal is also aware of how others perceive her and wants to make a good impression.
Following the Sunday service, the children are surprised to learn that Cal is one of the few
literate black citizens in her community. Cal proceeds to tell the children that Miss Maudie
Atkinsons aunt, Miss Buford, taught her how to read. The children are astonished by this
information and inquire about Cal's age. Cal responds by telling the Finch children,
"Im older than Mr. Finch, even...Not sure how much, though. We
started rememberin€˜ one time, trying to figure out how old I wasI can remember back just a few
years moren he can, so Im not much older, when you take off the fact that men cant remember as
well as women" (Lee, 126).
Calpurnia proceeds to
elaborate on her background and upbringing, which fascinates the children. Cal mentions that she
grew up on Finch's Landing and was educated by reading the Bible and Blackstone's
Commentaries. After discovering that Cal is an educated woman, Scout asks
why Cal doesn't use correct English when she is around her community members. Cal responds by
saying,
"Its right hard to say...Suppose you and
Scout talked colored-folks talk at home itd be out of place, wouldnt it? Now what if I talked
white-folks talk at church, and with my neighbors? Theyd think I was puttin€˜ on airs to beat
Moses" (Lee, 127).
Cal's response depicts her as a
modest woman, who exercises perspective and understands her environment. Cal is able to
code-switch in order to adapt and assimilate into her environment, which highlights her
intelligence.
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