Zeebo is a minor yet significant character in Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird. He is the garbage collector in the town of Maycomb and is also known as the son of Calpurnia, the Finch family’s housekeeper.
Through Zeebo, readers gain insight into the African American community in Maycomb. He plays a meaningful role during the church scenes, particularly when he leads the congregation in singing, demonstrating the rich cultural aspects of the community. Additionally, his character highlights the themes of social stratification and racial inequality present throughout the novel.
Zeebo’s character also illustrates the close-knit nature of the community, as he is respected among the black residents and serves as a bridge between the Finch family and the African American population. His role may be small, but it contributes to the broader understanding of the social dynamics in Maycomb during the 1930s.