To Kill a Mockingbird: The Significance of Calpurnia's Quotes

The character of Calpurnia, the Finch family's African American housekeeper, plays a crucial role in the story. Through her interactions with the Finch children and her observations of the town's racial dynamics, Calpurnia provides valuable insights and wisdom that shape the narrative. This essay aims to explore the significance of Calpurnia's quotes in the novel, analyzing their impact on the story's themes and characters.

One of Calpurnia's most memorable quotes occurs early in the novel when she admonishes Scout for her disrespectful behavior towards Walter Cunningham. Calpurnia says, "There's some folks who don't eat like us...but you ain't called on to contradict 'em at the table when they don't. That boy's yo' comp'ny and if he wants to eat up the table cloth you let him, you hear?" (Lee, 26). This quote not only showcases Calpurnia's role as a maternal figure to Scout but also introduces the theme of empathy and understanding towards others. Through her words, Calpurnia teaches Scout the importance of respecting others' differences and practicing tolerance, a lesson that resonates throughout the novel.

Furthermore, Calpurnia's quotes also shed light on the racial tensions present in Maycomb. In a conversation with Atticus, Calpurnia expresses her concerns about bringing Scout and Jem to her African American church, stating, "They's my comp'ny...I can't make 'em different folks eat at the same table" (Lee, 136). This quote highlights the segregation and discrimination that Calpurnia and her community experience, emphasizing the injustice and inequality prevalent in the town. Calpurnia's words serve as a powerful commentary on the racial divisions in Maycomb, providing a perspective that challenges the status quo and prompts reflection on the societal norms of the time.

Moreover, Calpurnia's quotes also contribute to the development of the novel's characters, particularly Scout and Jem. When Scout questions Calpurnia's use of African American dialect at church, Calpurnia explains, "It's not necessary to tell all you know. It's not ladylike—in the second place, folks don't like to have someone around knowin' more than they do. It aggravates 'em. You're not gonna change any of them by talkin' right, they've got to want to learn themselves, and when they don't want to learn there's nothing you can do but keep your mouth shut or talk their language" (Lee, 139). This quote showcases Calpurnia's pragmatism and resilience in navigating the complexities of race and class in Maycomb. Her words also serve as a valuable lesson for Scout, encouraging her to understand the nuances of social dynamics and the importance of empathy and adaptability.

In conclusion, Calpurnia's quotes in To Kill A Mockingbird play a significant role in shaping the novel's themes, characters, and social commentary. Through her wisdom, empathy, and resilience, Calpurnia offers invaluable insights that challenge societal norms and inspire reflection on issues of race, justice, and morality. Her quotes serve as a guiding force that not only enriches the narrative but also prompts readers to examine their own beliefs and values. As such, Calpurnia emerges as a pivotal character whose words resonate far beyond the confines of the novel, leaving a lasting impact on the reader's understanding of the human experience.