Character

Character:

Mattie: A)

1) Sesquipedalian: an example of this is when she picks a new word from the dictionary for every day of the year, and tries to use it in conversation 2) Ambitious: despite not having the best life foundations and no one expecting her to succeed, she is very determined to do so. An example of this is the fact she wants to better herself by getting an education, getting out of her town, studying hard and going to college "...I've been accepted. To Barnard College. I applied over the winter and I got in. I want to study literature but I haven't the money to go..." 3) Plain-faced: Jennifer often describes her as plain and Mattie often refers to herself in that way, particularly when under comparison with Royal Loomis. An example of this is when she is wondering how Royal could ever like such a plain girl. Quote: "...All I could think was that kisses from boys like Royal Loomis were for girls like Martha Miller, not me. Plain" Quote: "...and you're probably thinking that attention from a boy like Royal Loomis is a bit more than a plain girl like you should expect..." 4) Speaks before thinking: she talks a lot impulsively because she doesn't stop and think, she rather just blurts it out " 'With Daisy. Who's calving. And Abby. Who isn't. Calving, I mean'. I wished I could stitch my mouth shut" 5) Procrastination: she gets everything done, but often puts thing off till later. An example is when the milk gets spilled at breakfast and she keeps trying to find ways not to clean it. Quote: " ...but I'll worry about that later."

B) Describe the relationship the main protagonist (Mattie) has with another character or society accompanied with quote/example:

Mattie and Weaver- Mattie has a good relationship with Weaver. They get on well although she admits early in the book to feeling weird about the fact he is African-American and she is so pale. But she also states that in her opinion, they are the same on the inside. As they are two of the only people who are well educated in the book, that's a way they connect. They often play word games that results in petty play fighting and teasing, all with good intentions. She has known Weaver a long time and does say that she can't imagine not having him around and that they truly are 'best friends'. She is defensive of him and can read him well

' "Weaver, she don't want to talk to you. Nobody does" (Minnie) "Be quiet Minnie" (Mattie) He walked up to me and took my bucket away. I had to look at him then. I saw that his eyes said sorry even if his mouth wouldn't....'

C) What did you like or dislike about the main character?

Mattie has lots of good characters that make her a likeable addition and foundation to the book. But if they have no flaws, it can be hard to relate to them. This is why I'm glad Jennifer has displayed some faults in this young girl, that affect teenagers even now. It is important that you like (or can at least stand) the main character as this can determine whether or not you enjoy a book. In all honesty, I am also glad that she hasn't made her some fabulous, gorgeous stunner that gets all the boys, because for the average young adult or teenager reading this, that wouldn't be a reality for them. But because she 'gets' Royal it gives us average girls some hope of finding love and I think that's true talent. If a book gives hope, it can do great things. Her favourite traits are definitely,et her ambition and her wonder for words. Her thirst for knowledge is precious and amazing because it would be easy to have all your dreams pushed aside a ps a girl in a time when males ruled