Who is Calpurnia? What is her place in the Finch household?

Calpurnia is the Finch’s’ black maid who has cooked and cleaned for the family since Jem was born.  Atticus is a widower, and Calpurnia steps in and takes the role of a surrogate mother for Scout and Jem.  She comes in each day, takes care of the house, and she watches Scout and Jem while Atticus is at work.  Calpurnia runs a “tight ship” at the Finch house.  Calpurnia is more of a disciplinarian that...

Calpurnia is the Finch’s’ black maid who has cooked and cleaned for the family since Jem was born.  Atticus is a widower, and Calpurnia steps in and takes the role of a surrogate mother for Scout and Jem.  She comes in each day, takes care of the house, and she watches Scout and Jem while Atticus is at work.  Calpurnia runs a “tight ship” at the Finch house.  Calpurnia is more of a disciplinarian that Atticus, and Scout describes her as “all angles and bones . . .her hand was wide as a bed slat and twice as hard.”   Scout also says that their battles were “epic and one-sided . . . Calpurnia always won.”  Calpurnia does love the children very much and disciplines them to show her love.  She is the opposite of Atticus who rarely disciplines the children.  Instead, he “discusses” problems with Scout and Jem.  Calpurnia has a good relationship with Atticus; he trusts her to take care of the children. Calpurnia is more than just “the help.”  She is a member of the family who guides, teaches, and protects Scout and Jem throughout the novel.