Chattahoochee River
Sunday, January 24, 2016
To Kill A Mockingbird- Section 2 (Katie La Barbera)
Towards the end of section 2 the children's relationship with Calpurnia really seems to be evolving and unveiling aspects that weren't accentuated before. When Jem begins puberty Scout feels isolated and shut out; her former partner in crime is not to be bothered by her anymore. Calpurnia invites Scout to spend more time with her in the kitchen and Scout begins to see not only the merit of gender normative tasks but also Calpurnia in general. Scout is happy to have company, and no longer openly feels scornful of Calpurnia. Another interesting development is when Atticus is away and Calpurnia is their only guardian. She takes both Jem and Scout to her church, which is a really enlightening thing for the children. Although they have lived with Calpurnia all their lives they seem to lack a fundamental understanding of her life. Them going to an African American church stirs so many questions about her ties to their family, her age/birthday, her use of language, and more. The whole experience is really pushing the young Finch's to grow and become more understanding of their caregiver. To the children, not knowing how to read or even knowing when your birthday is, is absurd, unheard of. And it is really interesting that Scout actually asks Calpurnia if she can stay at her house for a night, just to see what it is like. It shows a much more compassionate side of Scout, one that cares more deeply for others. Additionally, Calpurnia is shown to have utmost love and respect for the Finch's, which was always implied, but now feels so raw and genuine. Her character feels more layered, complex; the children and the reader see how she has this whole life of her own.
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I do agree that Calpurnia is evolved as a character in this section of the book, and I especially liked the part where the church sang hymms in 'repeat-after-me' format. Scout was bemused at the idea of using anything but books, which is what she had grown up used to, but to Calpurnia, singing like that was perfectly natural.
ReplyDeleteIsabelle, I also really enjoyed reading about how the church was conducted differently. Especially because we understand it through the lens of someone who can actually read. But, Calpurnia understood that the audience was not one of a higher education level; and to her it was normal, even standard, to have a repeat-after-me style.
ReplyDeleteIsabelle, I also really enjoyed reading about how the church was conducted differently. Especially because we understand it through the lens of someone who can actually read. But, Calpurnia understood that the audience was not one of a higher education level; and to her it was normal, even standard, to have a repeat-after-me style.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Scouts interaction with Calpurnia has led to her development as a more compassionate person. This really illustrates her caring side which helps develop her as a person and character.
ReplyDeleteNick, do you think any other adult in Scout's life is really influencing her development into a more tolerant, compassionate, and level-headed person? I think Calpurnia plays a large role in this, especially when talking about her personal life and when she agrees to allow Scout to stay with her. Allowing her to stay is a generous gesture that illustrates Calpurnia's wise and compassionate nature.
ReplyDeleteKatie, I agree that over this section Scout had grown, even if it only shows in her will to stay with Calpurnia, but why do you think this is the case? Why do you think seeing how Calpurnia's life really was influenced Scout to make changes. Do you you think maybe it made Scout value her own life more?
ReplyDeleteI think this section of the book is integral in the development of the kid's understanding of the world. In the first section we see their adventures, curiosities and imaginations overcome their lives. It drives their attention and gives purpose and meaning to their lives. But the second section illustrates experiences that have helped the Finch children open up their eyes to the world and the diverse lives of the people around them.
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