When Scout goes to church with Calpurnia, she starts to see a different side of her. Up until this point, Scout had only known Calpurnia as their housemaid and mother figure. But going to church with her opens Scout’s eyes to the fact that Calpurnia has a whole other life outside of their household.
Scout is surprised to learn that Calpurnia can speak another language. She mentions that Calpurnia has command of two languages, which is something Scout had never even considered. This revelation shows Scout that Calpurnia is not just a servant, but a woman with her own skills and abilities.
This new understanding of Calpurnia challenges Scout’s preconceived notions about class and race. Scout had always seen Calpurnia as someone beneath her because of her social status and race. But seeing Calpurnia in her church community, surrounded by people who respect and look up to her, makes Scout realize that her assumptions were wrong.
Scout also learns about the importance of community and belonging. At church, Calpurnia is accepted and valued by her peers. They share a sense of camaraderie and support each other. This sense of belonging is something Scout had never experienced before, as she had always been somewhat of an outsider in Maycomb due to her family’s reputation.
Scout’s experience at church with Calpurnia teaches her that people are more complex than they may seem at first. Calpurnia’s double life and her involvement in the church community show Scout that there is more to a person than their job or social status. It also challenges Scout’s preconceived notions about race and class, and teaches her the importance of community and belonging.