What did Lula do to Calpurnia in Chapter 12 of To Kill a Mockingbird?
Because the children got themselves into trouble at their own church while Atticus was in Montgomery on a previous occasion and the Sunday School teacher was also absent, Calpurnia decides to bring Jem and Scout along with her to the First Purchase Methodist Episcopalian Church in the Quarters south of the town. In this way, she can sit right beside the children and keep an eye on them.
Well aware of the inequity of the white children being allowed in a black church while blacks are forbidden from entering white churches, Lula feels strong resentment that the Finch children are present in her church. She accosts Calpurnia and asks why the two children are there. Calpurnia replies in the vernacular: "They's my comp'ny." Lula's retort is filled with sarcasm:
"Yeah, an' I reckon you's comp'ny at the Finch house durin' the week,"
But while Lula is hostile, the other members...
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of the congregation draw closer to the children, and Lula retreats. Demonstrating true Christian charity, Zeebo, Calpurnia's son, tells Jem that the congregation is glad to have them in their church. He explains that Lula is
"....a troublemaker from way back, got fancy ideas an' haughty ways--we're mighty glad to have you all."
Thus, the congregation at the humble church that has "a paint-peeled frame" and no prayer books makes Jem and Scout feel welcome with their truly charitable gesture as they put aside any hard feelings or resentments, even though these feelings have some justification.
While Atticus was out of town one weekend, Cal decided to take Jem and Scout to her own church in the Quarters. The children's white faces were unexpected, but the majority of the congregation greeted them warmly. However, one woman did not appreciate Cal bringing "white chillun to nigger church." Lula was
"... a tall Negro woman... bullet-headed with strange almond-shaped eyes, straight nose, and an Indian-bow mouth. She seemed seven feet tall." (Chapter 12)
Lula didn't appreciate the mixing of races at her church, and it appeared that she would cause a disturbance. But Cal stood firm, telling her "Stop right there, nigger." Scout wanted to leave, but she soon saw that a "solid mass of colored people" had crowded her out, and suddenly "Lula was gone." It was a terrific learning experience for Jem and Scout, and it helped create a deeper bond between Scout and Cal. Described as "haughty" and a "troublemaker," Lula serves as the prime example in the novel of an African American's prejudice toward the white people of Maycomb.
What purpose does the Calpurnia-Lula scene serve in chapter 12 of To Kill A Mockingbird?
This scene illustrates a couple of different things:
1. It shows that people of any color, class, or description can become uncomfortable with dramatic change or alteration of the usual. Lula serves as an example of this fear when she interrogates Calpurnia about her intent in bringing the Finch children to the service.
2. It also shows the value and merit of Calpurnia as a loyal ally of the Finches. She doesn't back down, she doesn't apologize, she just goes on about the business of church with the children in tow, illustrating her own dignity and quiet confidence. The kids learn that despite differences in methodology, the church service isn't that different from their average Sunday at their own church.
As Calpurnia brings Scout and Jem to her church she is met with stares from all the black members and her path is blocked from Lula. Lula wants to know why Calpurnia is "bringin' these white chilluns' to a black church?" The purpose of this interaction is to demonstrate how uncomfortable situations can become when people cross out of their comfort zone. By going to the black church Scout and Jem see what it is like to be a minority. They also learn about tolerance and acceptance through the actions of the other members. "Each of Harper Lee’s characters, whether major or minor, provides a view of human nature and plays an integral part in the development of the plot and the pervading themes of To Kill a Mockingbird."
"The children find themselves in conflict with others. They are in a different segment of society. They, not Calpurnia or Tom Robinson, are the outsiders this time. They feel the sting of being “out of their place in society.” Jem asks to go home because “they don’t want us here.” Scout agrees. “I sensed, rather than saw, that we were being advanced upon.”
What does the interaction between Lula and Calpurnia suggest about Maycomb County's racial tensions?
The interaction between Lula and Calpurnia is an important part of the book and shows an important point about race.
A bit of context is necessary. In chapter 12, Calpurnia takes Jem and Scout to church with her. There, the children meet Lula. Lula, rather than being friendly, becomes angry that white children are in their black church. When Calpurnia sees this, she and Lula have a conflict. Here is a quote that captures the tone:
I felt Calpurnia’s hand dig into my shoulder. “What you want, Lula?” she asked, in tones I had never heard her use. She spoke quietly, contemptuously. “I wants to know why you bringin' white chillun to nigger church.”
The dialogue continues a bit, and the verbal fight escalates. What this shows is that racism exists all over Maycomb. Prejudice exists in every context. That said, it is important to note that Lula is an exception. The others in the church were very gracious and welcoming of the children. Zebo is a prime example of warmth. Here is a quote that shows this point:
One of them stepped from the crowd. It was Zeebo, the garbage collector. “Mister Jem,” he said, “we’re mighty glad to have you all here. Don’t pay no ‘tention to Lula, she’s contentious because Reverend Sykes threatened to church her. She’s a troublemaker from way back, got fancy ideas an’ haughty ways—we’re mighty glad to have you all.”