This is the theme distributed throughout the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." Family is constantly represented in this novel, in Calpurnia the black cook and cleaner of the house and in Tom Robinson the black man wrongly accused of rape. Both these characters are an example of how family runs deeper than blood level. .
Calpurnia the cook has been in Atticus Finch's family since Jem and Scout were young. In the novel Jem and Scout's aunt, Aunt Alexandria, comes to stay with them when the trial of Tom Robinson beings to take a large toil on Atticus Finch and the man begins to show his age. When Alexandria and Atticus are sitting in the living room one night Alexandria begins to talk to Atticus about the fact that they no longer need a cook or maid of the house because they have her. Calmly Atticus begins to explain how Calpurnia may not be related to them but that she is still family and sometimes she's all the family they have. .
Another good example of this theme is when Tom Robinson's trial comes to light. Tom is accused of raping and beating up Mayella Ewell and is sent to trial. Atticus protected Tom and did his best to give Tom a fair trial. The Town of Maycomb County on the other hand stuck a death sentence on Tom Robinson before the poor man had time to say his piece. Atticus knew from the very start that he was in a losing battle but he never gave up and when Tom was shot trying to escape unlawful persecution Atticus was furious and went over to talk to Helen Robinson and Tom's children. .
What does the Bible say about family? Galatians 6:10 states, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10 NIV). Calpurnia and Tom Robinson both belonged to the family of believers and Atticus Finch did his best to never live one way to some people and another to others. Another good verse would be 1 Peter 2:17, "Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor" (1 Peter 2:17 NIV).