Calpurnia

Calpurnia

• She is the Finches' black cook.
• She lives in the black community on the edge of the town and her own children are now grown up. She does not know how old she is.
• She has been with the family since Jem's birth and Atticus sees her as part of the family. Scout says "I had felt her tyrannical presence as long as I could remember."
• Although she is firm, she is kind: she made Scout's favourite crackling bread on her first day at school.
• She is well educated, one of only four people in her church who can read. She taught Scout how to write.
• Atticus depends upon her. He refuses to let Calpurnia go when Aunt Alexandra comes to stay; he takes her to help him break the news of Tom's death to his wife Helen.