Calpurnia was the Finch family's cook. She prepared the food for the family and she served it to them. There was never any mention of Calpurnia dining with the Finch family.
Several times throughout the book, Calpurnia was shown serving food to the family. When Jem invited Walter Cunningham, Jr. over for dinner, Calpurnia set out an extra plate for him. Later, Aunt Alexandra was staying with the family and Calpurnia poured the coffee at breakfast time. During the week of the trial, "Calpurnia served Jem, Dill and [Scout] with a vengeance." When Aunt Alexandra held a ladies social at the Finch house, Calpurnia served food and drinks on a tray.
At one point, Aunt Alexandra suggested to Atticus that Calpurnia stop working for the family. Atticus was adamant that Calpurnia should stay. He described Calpurnia as being "a faithful member of [their] family." Even though Atticus considered Calpurnia to be like part of the family, she still was their hired cook. She did not sit at the table and eat with them. Also, Calpurnia was black and the Finch family lived in the South. It was not considered proper by many people at that time for blacks and whites to share meals together at the same table.
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