How does Atticus View Calpurnia: a Cherished Motherly Figure

Understanding Poverty: Walter Cunningham’s Integrity

Walter Cunningham refuses to take money from his teacher because he knows he is not going to be able to pay it back due to the fact that he comes from a poor family. Walter did not want to accept the quarter that Miss Caroline gave him because there was no way he was going to give back the money he was going to borrow. Scout says, “The Cunninghams never took anything they can’t pay back- no church baskets and no scrip stamps.

” Walter cannot afford things, and he knows he should not accept things that were given to him.

Calpurnia’s Motherly Love: Calpurnia Teach Scout

Throughout the novel, Calpurnia is seen as if like she was a mother to Scout. Calpurnia is there for Scout to help her out, just like how she corrects Scout when Scout offends the Cunningham boy. Calpurnia says, “Don’t matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house’s yo’ company, and don’t you let me catch you remarkin’ on their ways like you was so high and mighty!” Not only was Calpurnia the Finches’ housekeeper, but she cared as no other person would for Scout, and she loved Scout with all her heart like she would have loved her children.

Racism and Community Perspective: Scout’s Realization

The court case makes Scout realize, in a way, how her community has been affected by the fact that racism has impacted them. Scout sees how her community reacts towards this case, and not only her community but her; she is able to acknowledge many perspectives that are happening. Harper Lee says, “…the school buzzed with talk about him defending Tom Robinson, none of which was complimentary”. In a way, Scout is able to now understand what really is happening in the world. She now has a better understanding of what is being discussed in her community due to the situation.

Atticus, Calpurnia, and Alexandra: How Does Atticus View Calpurnia

Atticus admires Ms.Dubose because he sees her as the bravest person. Ms.Dubose has gone through a lot, and Atticus understand it is not easy for someone like her. Atticus says, “According to her views, she died beholden to nothing and nobody. She was the bravest person I ever knew”. Ms.Dubose was going through hard situations, and Atticus saw her as someone strong and who is willing to succeed and not give up on themselves even if they are facing difficulties in life.

Aunt Alexandra is completely the opposite of Calpurnia due to the way they treat each other. Alexandra treats Calpurnia in a strict way, while Calpurnia tries not to cause problems, and she decides to ignore her. Aunt Alexandra says, “Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia.” Calpurnia is seen as a mother to Jem and Scout, while Alexandra just cares about herself. In this case, there are two different perspectives of two different kinds of people; Aunt Alexandra and Calpurnia.

Atticus’s Upholding Justice: Tom’s Trial

Atticus shows how honest Tom is. While Jem and Dill are listening to the trial, they both notice that all Atticus is doing is helping out so the truth can be known. Jem said, “…Atticus was showing the jury that Tom had nothing to hide”. Atticus is an upstander by doing what he knows is right; fighting for our justice. Tom deserves to be heard; that is why Atticus has been a true lawyer since the beginning. 

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