When she sees the dog coming down the street in To Kill a Mockingbird, Calpurnia handles the situation by rushing the children inside and calling their father, Atticus. She then calls the town operator and has the operator alert every household in the area of the danger, and she goes over to the Radley house to shout a warning to them.

Calpurnia requested Scout's presence in the kitchen to privately scold her for criticizing Walter Cunningham's eating habits, specifically his use of syrup on his food. Calpurnia explained to Scout that it is impolite to judge others' eating practices and emphasized the importance of respecting guests, regardless of their background. This encounter highlights Calpurnia's role as a surrogate mother figure, teaching Scout valuable lessons in empathy and social etiquette.

Calpurnia's strengths in To Kill a Mockingbird include her wisdom, ability to discipline and teach the children, and her unique perspective bridging white and black societies. She respects Atticus and defers to him on certain issues, exemplifying her understanding of social dynamics in Maycomb. Her main weakness is less evident, but her role is limited by the racial history of the town.

Calpurnia's hard hand signifies her readiness to discipline Scout, reflecting her strength and experience with manual labor. When Scout mocks Walter Cunningham during lunch, Calpurnia uses her "hard hand" to enforce respect and humility, teaching Scout that all guests deserve kindness regardless of their background. This incident highlights Calpurnia's role as a firm yet loving figure in Scout's life, balancing Atticus's gentler approach with her own practical, hands-on discipline.

Calpurnia responds to Lula's claim that only black people should attend their church by asserting, "It's the same God, ain't it?" She defends bringing Scout and Jem to the African Missionary Episcopalian Church, emphasizing the shared worship of God. Although Lula is confrontational, Zeebo, Calpurnia's son, and other congregation members welcome the children, demonstrating a sense of community and acceptance despite Lula's objections.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Calpurnia feels that Mr. Radley ruined his son's life because he refused to pay the money to send to him an institution. Instead, he has locked him up in his house and turned him into a shadow of his former self.

Calpurnia allows Scout to drink coffee for the first time. Initially, Calpurnia refuses because Scout is too young, but eventually, she gives in and serves Scout a small amount mixed with milk. This moment occurs in Chapter 16, reflecting Calpurnia's typically strict yet caring nature towards the Finch children, as she balances discipline with occasional indulgence.

Calpurnia reacts to Scout starting school with a sense of loneliness, as she misses Scout's presence at home. Although Calpurnia is a mother figure and often stern with Scout, she deeply cares for her and wishes to instill good morals. This bond of affection is evident when Calpurnia expresses her loneliness by saying, "I missed you today," highlighting her emotional connection to Scout despite their occasional conflicts.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Calpurnia takes Jem and Scout to First Purchase African M.E. Church in Chapter 12, providing them an eye-opening experience of Maycomb's Black community. They encounter both hospitality and racial tension, notably from Lula, who criticizes their presence. The church lacks traditional decor and hymnals, using "lining" for singing. The children witness the community's generosity as they collect money for Tom Robinson's family, and learn about Calpurnia's "modest double life" as one of the few literate members. This visit broadens their understanding of racial dynamics and Calpurnia's personal world.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Calpurnia's speech varies between the Finch household and her church to reflect the social dynamics of 1930s Alabama. This "code-switching" allows her to fit into both white and black communities, avoiding perceptions of arrogance or superiority. Harper Lee uses Calpurnia's behavior to highlight racial and cultural divides, illustrating the adaptability required to navigate these worlds. This adaptation also teaches Scout and Jem about social interactions and the importance of humility and respect.