Question

Scout tells us that when Calpurnia stays overnight at the Finches’, she sleeps on a cot in the kitchen. Why do you think Harper Lee chose to include this detail in this chapter? What is she trying to show us about the Finches and the rules of Maycomb society?

Answer 1

Calpurnia's cot shows how segregation is everywhere in Maycomb, including the Finch home. 

We know that Aunt Alexandra has somewhere to sleep when she stays with them, suggesting that they have a spare bedroom. However, when Calpurnia stays with the Finches, she is not allowed to stay in the spare room. 

Answer 2

In the maycomb society, blacks are treated differently than white people and Calpurnia must sleep on a cot instead of being given a bed.