"Line for line, voices followed in simple harmony until the hymn ended in a
melancholy murmur" (121).
In , privileged
childrenandget a lesson in doing without as they attend Calpurnia's church. Since the
congregation doesn't have the wealth that white churches have, they probably don't have money
for hymnals, pianos, or organs. Not only that, but many of Calpurnia's people can't read because
they start working very young in an effort to help make ends meet for their families. Most of
the black community's songs and stories are passed down by spoken word, from one generation to
the next, as well; so, linin' is one way to keep those songs alive. Zeebo, Cal's son, leads the
congregation in song and lyric line by line. The congregation holds on to the last note of their
line as Zeebo sings the next line. The whole congregation sings acapella, or without a piano or
organ. Acapella singing is one of the most beautiful ways to sing, too. The congregation
probably knows those songs inside and out, which means they probably also know all of the
harmonies that go with them. Jem and Scout are amazed at how beautiful it
sounds.
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