By all accounts, it looks like Calpurnia has worked for Atticus for around 10 years. She comes to work for them shortly after Jem is born. Scout has known Calpurnia all her life. The novel doesn’t mention why Calpurnia comes to work for the Finches because she starts when Atticus' wife is still alive. However, after his wife’s death, Atticus still needs her to take care of the household and be there for the children when he is at work. Calpurnia becomes a “surrogate” mother in a way although she is a strict disciplinarian compared to Atticus. Scout describes the arguments she has with Calpurnia as “epic battles” with Calpurnia always winning. She is a strong protector of the children and loves them very much although Scout doesn’t always seem to think so. Scout learns about Calpurnia’s love for her when one day Calpurnia kisses her. Scout finds this odd because Scout feels Calpurnia is always hard on her.
Calpurnia is an important character in the book because she gives the children a view of the black culture prominent in Maycomb.
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