Coming of Age in Mississippi | Suggested Essay Topics

Childhood: Chapters 1 – 9
1. Essie Mae meets and encounters whites with varying attitudes toward blacks in the South. Some take an interest in her education and ambitions and try to better prepare her for life in the adult world, or give her extra work because they are aware her family is poor and teach her that not every young child works to help support their family. Compare and contrast the different responses whites in the South have toward Essie Mae, both at school and at work. Discuss her early encounters with whites, both passing (such as observing her...

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