Journal #1 Chapters 1-3

From the perspective of Calpurina


Sometimes I just don’t understand that girl. She irks me when she yells at me for the darnest things. I taught her how to read and write. I just simple thought that she needed to know those things to help get through school easier. For the most part I just wanted her to be occupied while I did things around the house. When I gave her things to write she would leave me alone, but only ask me if she needed help. When scout came in and she explained to me that her teacher got mad at me for teaching her how to read I can see in her face she was upset with me. She had no respect for me at all. I don’t think that she understands it is not my fault that her teacher does not agree with learning early. But I do understand that she has to learn to print. I don’t think that Ms. Caroline is indigenous to this side of town. She had no idea what to do with the Ewell kids. And I don’t believe that she was going to be condescended to the kids. She felt that she was more powerful.
When she acted rude around the Cunningham boy I did not like it at all. I called her into the kitchen to explain to her that he was her guest and had to be kind. She still back talked to me so then I slapped her, and I think she felt intimidated by me. . Although I am just the nanny I feel that I have said some huge pronouncements in the past. Mostly to the kids because they do not listen. Especially scout. I do feel that she is a very intelligent person but she is troubled.