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"He ain't company, Cal, he's just a Cunningham -"
"Hush your mouth! Don't matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house's yo' comp'ny, and don't you let me catch you remarkin' on their ways like you was so high and mighty!..."
This was a really interesting situation to me. It was so interesting to see Harper Lee using this as a metaphor for Calpurnia to talk to Scout about racism. Reading Scout's reaction to the way that Walter Cunningham ate his food really upset me because it was really rude and judgmental. She quickly acted like this was a barbaric action and made no hesitation to spare his feelings. It did not take long to pair statements such as "he's just a Cunningham" to the racist thing said to African Americans during this time period. Who were referred to as also having animal like appearance and behavior. As expected, it was Calpurnia who most related to the offense and reacted strongly. Which was really hoping would happen because I feel that Atticus's response would have been to light. I think Calpurnia was justified because growing up in such a hateful and prejudice environment Scout should know at an early age that everyone is equal. That way she knows right and wrong and won't become influenced by negativeness in her environment.I think that is also one reason Atticus will never fire Calpurnia. I think he believes that it will be hard to hate something you grew up with your whole life and loved. By spending actual time and getting to know an African American, Scout won't judge people just based on stereotypes. Or, in the lesson from Calpurnia not setting yourself above others. Maintaining that balance of pride and humility is always important and should be taught at a young age. When Pride Goes Wrong | The Sport Journal
Thanks for Reading
-Serach Patterson
I agree that it is interesting that Calpurnia is the one who chastised Scout for how she reacted to WC's table manners. It seems like she would know what it felt like to be judged like this, given the time period and general attitude of whites towards blacks. Atticus might have kept her for more reasons than simply the racial message she will give to the kids. She is family to the Finches, showing that not everybody was racist towards African-Americans, and some even grew up with and loved them.
ReplyDeletei strongly agree with you because i felt like Calpurnia would have reflected on this to say this and it made her give scout a better though on for the future for table manners.
ReplyDeleteIt was a very interesting way for Calpurnia to educate Scout. I didn't even think of this before reading your post!
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