Chapter 12 Flashcards
How old is Jem at the beginning of this chapter?
12
Where does Calpurnia suggest Scout go when she’s feeling lonely and/or upset?
The kitchen.
Why is it sexist for Calpurnia to suggest Scout spend time in the kitchen if she’s upset?
During the 1930s, girls were expected to learn kitchen skills while boys were allowed to play outside.
What does the following quote suggest about Atticus?
“[The cartoon] showed Atticus barefooted and in short pants, chained to a desk: he was diligently writing on a slate while some frivolous-looking girls yelled ‘Yoo-hoo!’ and him” (133).
The quote suggests that Atticus is attractive because the girls are flirting with him. It also suggests that he is a slave to his work but still works hard regardless. The cartoon also depicts him as a representative of the South.
“If Calpurnia had ever bathed me roughly before, it was nothing compared to her supervision of that Sunday night’s routine” (134).
Why is Calpurnia so concerned with Scout’s appearance before taking her to church?
Calpurnia doesn’t want to be embarrassed. If she took a dirty child to church, her friends and family might think she’s not good at her job.
“When they saw Jem and me with Calpurnia, the men stepped back and took off their hats; the women crossed their arms and their waists, weekday gestures of respectful attention” (135).
Why do the people at Calpurnia’s church show so much respect toward Atticus’s children?
Atticus is defending an African American man, a member of Calpurnia’s community. The community, who are mostly gathered at Calpurnia’s church, are impressed with Atticus and grateful that he’s taking the case, even though it will lose him respect by the white community of Maycomb.
“‘They’s my comp’ny,’ said Calpurnia. Again I thought her voice strange: she was talking like the rest of them” (135).
What is strange about Calpurnia’s speech and why does she change the way she speaks when at church?
Calpurnia is trying to fit in with her own community so she changes the way she speaks. Rather than speak with a more “White” dialect, she speaks with an “African American” dialect.
Why does the author include the scene with Lula on pages 135 and 136?
Harper Lee doesn’t want readers to assume that everyone in the Black community in Maycomb approves of what Atticus is doing. She is making the point that racism works both ways.
Why does Zeebo read from the prayer books instead of everyone having their own?
There are two reasons for this. 1) Calpurnia’s church could not afford prayer books for everyone in the church. 2) It is likely that most of the members of Calpurnia’s church cannot read. Both answers are given on page 141.
