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An Analysis Of Anne Moody's Coming Of Age In Mississippi

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Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody is an autobiography about life in Mississippi during the 50s and 60s. It depicts the coming of age of a child to a woman, and the triumphs that go along with that. During those time blacks were being mistreated and were suffering from inequality and brutality put amongst them by whites. In the hope to bypass these injustices Anne projected her focus onto the betterment of herself. Born September 15, 1940 in Wilkinson County, Mississippi(Biography.com), life for Anne was not the easiest, growing up Anne was subjected to many harsh realities. The surrounding area at the time was ruled by whites which in return brought prejudice. Not only in society were these challenges present, but they were also existent …show more content…

It was seen as something beyond their control, while Anne on the other hand was able to see all the endless opportunities she had to change things around. From the observation of others numerous ideas started to become present to her. Being able to ask how, why, and what if contributed to her success. Anne was always able to go back to her inner child and remember the life she had. To play like a child is to remain creative like one. So even with age she was always able to express those creative moments and find ways to involve them into her work. Unfortunately believing that things would never change, her involvement in the movement had ended. Her focus then went on to writing and showcasing her life through words. Stating in the 2014 Contemporary Authors online that “I came to see through my writing that no matter how hard we in the movement worked, nothing seemed to change.” “We were like an angry dog on a leash that had turned on its master. It could bark and howl and snap, and sometimes even bite, but the master was always in control.”(The New York Times Tribune) Anne can ultimately be seen as a risk taker. Putting something out for all to see and critique is very risky. Coming of Age in Mississippi is such that, a classic memoir. It was written in first person, in chronological order of events, vibrant and intense through the interactions of characters as well as the dialogue, and showcased the torment African Americans faced while in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement. Senator Edward M. Kennedy writing that it “brings to life the sights and smells and suffering of rural poverty in a way seldom available to those who live far away.” He added: “Anne Moody’s powerful and moving book is a timely reminder that we cannot now relax in the struggle for sound justice in America or in any part of America. We would do so at our peril.” (The New York

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