In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, while Calpurnia is discussed in chapters 13 through 16, she does not appear much as a character having dialogue; therefore, her character traits do not really show up in chapters 13 through 16. Instead, her traits are most visible only in Chapter 12. In Chapter 12, Calpurnia takes the children as guests to her church, and many of her excellent traits shine through. One of the most noteworthy traits that shines through is her bravery.
Once she and the Finch children reach her church, it becomes evident that just as many people are racist among Calpurnia's own African-American race as among the white folks, and Calpurnia bravely shoulders such racism. Racism among African Americans is portrayed through the character Lula, who approaches Calpurnia and challenges her for bringing white children to their all-black church. In the face of Lula's racist attack on the children, Calpurnia is able to very bravely counter with, "They's my comp'ny" (Ch. 12). She even remains brave in the face of Lula's insults against Calpurnia's character and work ethic. Calpurnia continues bravely defying Lula until the rest of the church come to her defense, scaring off Lula.
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