Monday, April 16, 2012

In Warriors Don't Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals, why does Melba want to be a reporter?

Melba wants to be a reporter because she wants to be in a position to make a difference in her community. Also, after remembering the camaraderie she experienced with the white reporters, Melba wants to be a part of this informed and progressive group of professionals.


In Chapter Five, Melba is interviewed by some white reporters. They are friendly and address her as "Miss." Until then, she had never been addressed in this manner by any white person. During the interview, the white reporters maintain their interest in what Melba has to say, and their kindness greatly comforts Melba. In looking back, she is touched that the reporters behaved as if they were "genuine friends with the people of color among their ranks, sharing work and laughter."


Melba begins to dream that, if she became a reporter, she "could be in charge of a few things." This is perhaps an allusion to the fact that Melba dreams of affecting change in her community.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thomas Jefferson's election in 1800 is sometimes called the Revolution of 1800. Why could it be described in this way?

Thomas Jefferson’s election in 1800 can be called the “Revolution of 1800” because it was the first time in America’s short history that pow...