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.

Answer 1

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.