Blog #4

In this novel, the ice cream shop Jean Louise visits symbolizes her childhood innocence. It states that “the modern ice cream shop where her old home had been was open,” so we know that Jean is already emotionally attached to it. She probably has fond memories of her home. Jean chooses to go to the ice cream shop after discovering that her father is racist because she was seeking comfort in a place she once received it. Unfortunately, a place that was once innocent has been tainted with the memories of betrayal. This is the final strike that finally ends Jean’s childhood nostalgia. Later in the book, Jean Louise visits her ex-maid Calpurina. In flashbacks during the book and in To Kill a Mockingbird, Calpurina serves as a mother figure to jean, she even gave her the talk about the birds and the bees as seen in chapter 11. Once she visits, Calpurina treats her coldly and Jean doesn’t receive the affection she desired. This pushes Jean to finally view the reality of her town. Jean is feeling betrayed, alone, and neglected and I predict its only going to keep getting harder from this point in the book. She will have to confront her father and have to question everyone’s true motives.