Write four to six sentences describing Momma or Mrs. Flowers. In your analysis, include at least two personality traits of the person. Support your ideas about the individual’s personality traits with evidence from the text.
Momma, also known as Mrs. Henderson, is a strong, resilient woman with a nurturing and protective nature. She is described as being tall and large, with a dark complexion. Momma's personality traits can be seen through her actions and words. Firstly, she displays a fiercely protective nature towards her children, as shown when she defends her son Bailey from being taunted by a white boy. Secondly, she is wise and practical, seen in her emphasis on education and her strict parenting style. For instance, she ensures Maya and Bailey are well-behaved and respectful of others. These traits make her a respected and admired figure in the community, contributing to her role as a source of strength and guidance for Maya.
Momma, or Vivian Baxter, is the strong-willed and fiercely protective mother figure in Maya Angelou's memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." She is described as a tall and lean woman with a commanding presence. One of her prominent personality traits is her unrelenting determination, as seen when she decides to move her family from Arkansas to California for better job opportunities. Momma's assertiveness and confidence manifests in her refusal to adhere to the white-owned general store's policy of allowing only white customers to try on clothes. She stands up for her rights and successfully navigates through the racially biased system. Another notable personality trait of Momma is her compassion and kindness. When the young Maya has a great desire to speak, it is Momma who teaches her the power of silence and the importance of listening to others. Maya says, "Her words embarrassed me but lit a tiny fire in my stomach. She had recognized a partial promise in my muteness. She wanted me to be a witness." This highlights Momma's ability to recognize and nurture the potential in others.
In Maya Angelou's book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," both Momma and Mrs. Flowers are powerful and significant female figures in the narrator's life. Momma, also known as Annie Henderson, is a strong-willed and no-nonsense woman. The text showcases her disciplined and industrious nature when she runs a successful general store in Stamps, Arkansas. Furthermore, her stoic demeanor and conservative values are evident when she calmly but firmly confronts a white dentist who discriminates against her granddaughter. These instances reflect her resilience and determination to protect her family and stand up against injustice.
On the other hand, Mrs. Flowers, a refined and elegant African-American woman in Stamps, encompasses a noticeable air of sophistication and grace. Described as wearing tailored clothes and gloves, her presence exudes a sense of poise and charm. Mrs. Flowers also possesses a deep appreciation for literature and language, which is illustrated when she introduces the protagonist to various literary works such as the poetry of William Shakespeare and the writings of Charles Dickens. This highlights her intellectual and cultured nature, allowing her to share the power of words and imagination with the narrator, instilling a love for literature within her.
Both Momma and Mrs. Flowers demonstrate admirable qualities that contribute to their significant roles in the protagonist's life. While Momma exemplifies strength, determination, and a willingness to fight for what is right, Mrs. Flowers embodies elegance, intellectualism, and a nurturing spirit that fosters the narrator's growth and development.