Monday, April 28, 2014

After Jem and Scout visit First Purchase African M. E. Church, what new things do they learn about how black people live?

In Chapter 12, Calpurnia takes Jem and Scout to Sunday service at First Purchase African M. E. Church. Jem and Scout gain insight into the African American community and culture throughout their visit. Upon entering the church, Scout notices that there is no organ, piano, church programs, or hymn books. The children find out that the majority of the black community in Maycomb is illiterate. Reverend Sykes, Calpurnia, and Zeebo are the only literate church members, and the remainder of the congregation sings the hymns by "lining" them. Jem and Scout are welcomed by members in the church, and they experience the gracious hospitality of the black community. They also learn that the black community is very supportive of one another. Reverend Sykes forces the congregation to give additional money to support Helen Robinson and her children. Jem and Scout also learn about Calpurnia's "modest double-life," and experience how the black community communicates with one another. In particular, Scout notices Calpurnia's informal dialect when she interacts with her community members.

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