Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Coming of Age in Mississippi, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
The Intersection of Racism and Poverty
Loss of Innocence
The Importance of Community
Gender and Racism
Religion and Hypocrisy
Summary
Analysis
Anne plans to live with Grandmother Winnie in New Orleans during her break from CORE. But when she arrives in New Orleans, Grandmother Winnie will not take her in, afraid of receiving threats. Though she does not want to, Anne goes to her Uncle George Lee’s house, where Adline is currently staying. Anne is anxious to see her uncle, remembering how badly he treated her when they were children, but he and his wife Bertha are happy to take her in. Anne sleeps the whole next day and wakes up to Adline sitting next to her. Adline tells her about the birthday party that she and Junior, who is staying with Winnie, are planning for Mama.
Grandma Winnie’s refusal to take Anne in out of fear for her safety leaves Anne in a vulnerable position. However, though Anne was traumatized as a child by George Lee’s treatment, his welcoming and generous nature as an adult reflects the idea that people can change for the better. George Lee’s improvement from his troubled childhood also recalls the idea that poverty and desperation can make a person do terrible things. Anne sleeps all day to recover from the emotional exhaustion of participating in a dangerous movement. Meanwhile, Adline and Junior’s plan to surprise Mama with a party stands in sharp contrast to the distance between Anne and mama.
Themes
Anne goes to Maple Hill to get her job back. Though she would be able to get a job as a teacher with her college degree, she would “much rather wash dishes” than work in an "Uncle Tom” school. She fears that her reputation will prevent her from getting her old job back, but her old coworkers are ecstatic to see her and are impressed with her work with the Movement. Anne gets her job back, but she doesn’t like it as much as she did in college. Later, Anne and Adline pool their money and rent an apartment together. Junior comes to visit every night to spend time with them and plan Mama’s birthday party.
Anne’s decision to return to Maple Hill rather than get a better paying job at an institution that would not align with the Movement demonstrates her commitment to her values. The admiration that her coworkers have for the Movement contrasts the way Anne’s family in Centreville feel about it, as her family is in much more danger as a result of Anne’s work. Despite their emotional distance, Anne and Adline's decision to live together shows their commitment to maintaining their family ties.
Themes
Junior arrives with Mama, who has brought Anne’s younger siblings. Anne and Mama’s conversation is tense and stilted, and Mama is upset that Anne does not acknowledge the baby in her arms at first. Adline tells Mama to pay Anne no mind, because Anne is “crazy.” Anne and Mama fight. After Mama leaves, Anne goes to buy her birthday presents. At the party, Anne feels left out of the family she hasn’t seen in years. She talks to her younger sister, Jennie Ann, and is upset that Jennie Ann only lights up when talking about boys. Upset at the fundamental differences between herself and her family, Anne leaves the party.
On November 22, 1963, Anne learns that President Kennedy was shot. She despairs for the future of civil rights. While working at the restaurant, she is furious with the white patrons for going about their lives as though nothing has happened. As she leaves work, she rages at the evil of the world.
President Kennedy was a beacon of hope for civil rights activists. His assassination brings yet another disappointment in the long struggle for liberation. Anne’s anger at the white patrons for going about their lives reflects her feeling of isolation away from her activist community.
Themes
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