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Character Analysis
Maudie Atkinson and Calpurnia
Both of these women are the positive female influences of Scout in the absence of her mother. Maudie is one of the few white citizens in the town who stand up for Tom. In fact, Maudie is not afraid to challenge any of the town's notions. When the women on her street gossip about Boo Radley, Maudie puts them in their place. And when Maudie's house burns down, she shows a tremendous strength and resilience. Maudie, like Atticus, has a strong sense of character; she is just more outspoken.
Calpurnia teaches Scout many of the same lessons. Since Atticus sees Calpurnia as a member of the family, she is allowed to freely scold and lecture Scout if need be. Cal teaches Scout about treating people with respect and taking time to understand others. Scout watched Cal and even sees that being a girl isn't such a bad thing. Cal, despite being black and the Finch's cook, becomes a kind of mother to Scout in many ways.
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