In Chapter 3 of To Kill a Mockingbird, Calpurnia scolds Scout for being inhospitable to Walter Cunningham who has come to the Finch’s home to eat lunch. Earlier in the day, Scout fights Walter over getting her in trouble with Miss Caroline, her teacher. When Miss Caroline discovers that Walter didn’t have a lunch, Scout speaks up in class telling Miss Caroline why. Jem invites Walter over for lunch, and to Scout’s horror, she sees Walter pour syrup all over his lunch. Walter is so poor that syrup would be something he didn’t get very often. Scout makes fun of Walter, and Calpurnia calls her into the kitchen to tell her that because Walter is a guest, he can do whatever he wants to his food.
In this chapter, Calpurnia shows not only her position in the Finch household as a disciplinarian, but she also shows the respect she has for people. Calpurnia can probably empathize with Walter’s position, and just like Atticus who engages Walter in conversation during the lunch, she understands the importance of showing kindness and respect to everyone. Her attitude shows that Calpurnia is a no- nonsense person who has high expectations for the Finch children. She will not allow disrespect in her household by her “adopted” children who she cares for and loves.
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