In To Kill a Mockingbird, compare and contrast the characters Atticus and CalpurniaCompare and contrast --how they interact with each other and...

The maids of the 30s, 40s, and even 50s in the South were
often like surrogate parents.  This role, a carry-over of the mammy from the Old South,
was not uncommon in many households of the South.  In fact, in their care for the
children, many of the maids took a more active part in the discipline of the children
than did the parents, especially the father.  Calpurnia is representative of this
typical maid; she is "old school," as they say in the South.  For, her discipline
involves physical action as well as chastisement; it is quick and to the point.  For
instance, when Jem and Scout sneak back to the courtroom in defiance of Atticus, she
appears with little regard to the proceedings of the trial, "making her way up the
middle aisle, walking straight toward Atticus."  Atticus must stop and ask the judge for
permission to attend to the children.  When they ask Atticus if they may return since
they have already heard most of the trial, they can tell "Atticus was relenting."  This
would not happen with Calpurnia.

While there are certain
behaviors that neither will permit, the reasoning that Calpurnia uses with the children
is more concrete and practical.  For example, when she scolds Scout for criticizing
Walter Cunningham's manners, she tells her cryptically that Walter is "company," and she
should not be impolite, removing her physically from Walter to equally embarrass her and
give her a punishment.  Atticus, however, would correct her, but he would probably have
her apologize at the table to Walter.  Later, as he does in the novel, he would spend
time reasoning with Scout, explaining that one needs to understand others less fortunate
and "consider things from his point of view." 

Both people
of integrity, Calpurnia and Atticus differ mainly in their perspectives. While Calpurnia
is less educated, she perceives situations in their simpler, more immediate forms; on
the other hand Atticus--who is, nevertheless, always  supportive and respectful of
Calpurnia--is ever the rational, erudite man, who teaches his children to consider
circumstances and reasons beyond the immediate situation.  Together, they make a great
team for rearing bright, strong-willed children like Jem and
Scout.