Maya And Bailey example essay topic
For he was all I claimed, if not all I had". Bailey is one year Maya's senior; however, it makes no difference for they both share many of the same interests, such as reading poems and playing games. Maya feels comfortable asking Bailey for advice, and therefore trusts Bailey with all of her honest emotions. Even through Maya's period of silence to the outside world following her rape, she is not afraid to speak to her brother. From Bailey Marguerite derives immense confidence over the span of their childhood together.
Secondary only to Bailey, Annie Henderson influences her granddaughter as an awe-inspiring role model. Momma displays a deep faith and much self respect. In chapter 24, Momma takes Maya to a white dentist and demands that he help relieve her horrible toothache. When he refuses to help them, Momma goes inside to speak with him; Though Maya's estimation of the encounter differs somewhat from reality, the entire incident helps to instill in Maya a strong sense of self worth and confidence as well as in pride in her ethnicity. Later in the book, Maya is also amazed at how well Momma adjusts to Los Angeles after living all her life in the small town of Stamps, Arkansas. Though Maya's grandmother's stern Christian lifestyle and strict rules annoy Maya at times, Momma is really Maya's saving grace through the love and stability that she provides for her two grandchildren.