Social and Historical Points Key WordDetails A AUTISM/ASPHERGERS? Boo has a learning difficulty which would have been misunderstood and misdiagnosed at the time. He is kept a prisoner inside his house. B BIGOTRY Maycomb is typical of a small town in southern America. It has bigoted old fashioned, small minded views. It is based on Harper Lee’s hometown Monroeville in Alabama. C CIVIL RIGHTS Published in the 1960s, ‘To Kill a mockingbird’ (with its messages of tolerance and black equality) was entirely relevant to the civil rights movement. D DEPRESSION Set in the time of the Great Depression. The tiredness and poverty of Maycomb is because of the Great Depression of the 1930s. Some families like the Cunninghams lost everything in the Wall St crash. E EQUALITY vs INEQUALITY Racism and Segregation is widespread and deeply embedded in Maycomb. The Tom Robinson trial represents huge prejudice. F FAIR TRIAL? The inevitable outcome of the trial represents the huge injustice and prejudice of the legal system in the 1930s. This was evident in the Scotsboro trial in Alabama. G GENDER Girls in the 1930s had less freedom and independence than boys. They were educated to a lesser extent and were prepared for domesticity. H HISTORY There are frequent historical references in the novel to the Civil War, Slavery, the Wall Street Crash and Hitler and the Jews. I I I can relate to the novel as a modern reader in The key messages of tolerance, compassion and equality are relevant to modern readers in today’s xenophobic climate.

Characteristics of Calpurnia: Surrogate mother- part of the Finch family Firm yet kind Bridge with the black community Is literate Understanding and wise Compassionate Has her own family and understands children Values high standards of behaviour and manners Has confidence and delegated responsibility in the household. Makes decisions knowing that Atticus will support her. Equal status based on mutual respect Calpurnia is a fully developed black character. Key Events for Calpurnia Chapter Event 1.Introduced to the Finch family and Calpurnia. 3.Calpurnia rebukes Scout for bad manners 10.Calpurnia gets children indoors and calls Atticus when the mad dog approaches. 12.Calpurnia reassures Scout that Jem’s growing distance is normal and inevitable. Comforting. Takes the children to her own church. Defends them from Lula. 14. Aunt Alexandra wants Atticus to get rid of Calpurnia. Atticus defends her and is loyal. 16.At breakfast following the mob scene of the previous 17. night, the family discuss black justice. Aunt Alexandra reprimands Atticus for talking in front of Calpurnia. 20.Searches for the children who appear to me missing (they are in the court room) 24.Atticus takes Calpurnia to inform Helen of Tom’s death. Themes: Growing up/education: She is a surrogate mother for Jem and Scout. She takes care of them domestically but is also trusted by Atticus to provide moral guidance and discipline. She understands them, enjoys their company, comforts and guides. Calpurnia is firm yet kind. She teaches Scout to write – unusual for a black maid to be educated. Injustice/justice: Calpurnia and the black community are seeking justice for Tom R. At Cal’s church they are raising money for his wife and children. Cal is a bridge for Atticus with the black community. He asks for her advice, she passes messages to the black community and when Tom R dies, he takes Calpurnia with him to break the news to his widow. Prejudice and Social Inequality: The Finch family treat Calpurnia with complete equality and respect. The children follow Atticus’s example and it is clear that she is upheld as an equal member of the family (unusual for a black maid). When Aunt Alexandra threatens Calpurnia’s equality, Cal is defended. Cal take s the children to the black church to encourage the progressive, open-minded attitude which Atticus teaches. She does not ask permission but is confident in Atticus’ approval. Courage and bravery: Faces the mad dog and protects the children by getting them into the house. Takes the children to her church knowing that some of the congregation will not like it. She puts the experience for the children above the risk of disapproval. Outsiders/Mockingbirds: Is a friend of the Robinsons. Helps Atticus with the trial and informs Helen of Tom’s death. Calpurnia

In what ways is Calpurnia a significant character in the novel? You must consider context in the novel. Use evidence to support your answer.

Calpurnia is a significant character in the novel. She is a fully developed black character and Harper Lee uses her to develop ideas about many of the key themes. Calpurnia is the cook and housekeeper for the Finch family but her role stretches far beyond this. Calpurnia is a surrogate mother to the children and she is trusted by Atticus to provide comfort, security and discipline. In addition, Calpurnia bridges the black and white communities. She holds the unique position of being accepted fully in the Finch household and also in black society.

Calpurnia is a significant character in the novel. She is a fully developed black character and Harper Lee uses her to develop ideas about many of the key themes. Calpurnia is the cook and housekeeper for the Finch family but her role stretches far beyond this. Calpurnia is a surrogate mother to the children and she is trusted by Atticus to provide comfort, security and discipline. In addition, Calpurnia bridges the black and white communities. She holds the unique position of being accepted fully in the Finch household and also in black society. 1.Repeat the question as a statement. 2. Briefly explain who the character is and their role in the novel. 3.Briefly outline the themes they highlight and contribute to.

Firstly, Calpurnia contributes to the theme of growing up and education. She is a surrogate mother for Jem and Scout. She takes care of them domestically but is also trusted by Atticus to provide moral guidance and discipline. She understands them, enjoys their company, comforts and guides. Calpurnia is firm yet kind. This is demonstrated in chapter 3 when Calpurnia rebukes Scout for her rudeness to Walter. When Scout embarrasses him for drowning his food in syrup, it is Calpurnia who is furious with her. When Scout says that, “He ain’t company, Cal, he’s just a Cunningham-”, she replies “Hush your mouth! Don’t matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house’s yo‘ comp’ny’’. The Cunninghams represent a family who have lost everything in the Great Depression of the 1930s. Calpurnia and Atticus recognise this and treat them with a combination of compassion and understanding – a valuable role model for Scout and Jem. In addition, it is Calpurnia who teaches Scout to write. This is significant as black maids at the time would often be illiterate. Another theme which Calpurnia contributes to is justice and injustice…

Firstly, Calpurnia contributes to the theme of growing up and education. She is a surrogate mother for Jem and Scout. She takes care of them domestically but is also trusted by Atticus to provide moral guidance and discipline. She understands them, enjoys their company, comforts and guides. Calpurnia is firm yet kind. This is demonstrated in chapter 3 when Calpurnia rebukes Scout for her rudeness to Walter. When Scout embarrasses him for drowning his food in syrup, it is Calpurnia who is furious with her. When Scout says that, “He ain’t company, Cal, he’s just a Cunningham-”, she replies “Hush your mouth! Don’t matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house’s yo‘ comp’ny’’. The Cunninghams represent a family who have lost everything in the Great Depression of the 1930s. Calpurnia and Atticus recognise this and treat them with a combination of compassion and understanding – a valuable role model for Scout and Jem. In addition, it is Calpurnia who teaches Scout to write. This is significant as black maids at the time would often be illiterate. Another theme which Calpurnia contributes to is justice and injustice…

Over to you! Your Turn- carry on and finish the essay. Do not worry about a conclusion – just use the word ‘finally’ for your last theme you discuss.