Analysis Of Coming Of Age In Mississippi By Anne Moody

Coming of Age in Mississippi is an autobiography written by Anne Moody that depicts the events that Moody lived through during her childhood and adolescents. Through the entirety of the novel Moody is trying to understand the institution of racism in the country, and as she grows older she attempts to bring an end to it. Moody is able to describe several events that catapulted the civil rights movement, such as the lynching of Emmet Till and sit ins like at Woolworth’s, because she was actively experiencing those events. One thing that Moody portrays in her autobiography is the stark divide that exists between African Americans, these divides can exist based on the pigment of their skin, where they lived, and their education. Moody details several ways that pigment is also an issue in the African American community. When Moody’s mother, Toosweet, begins a relationship with Raymond his family looks down on Toosweet. The reason for their chagrin is because Toosweet’s skin is a darker color than their own. Raymond’s mother, Miss Pearl, holds the most contempt for Toosweet. You can see the different advantages

Those who are educated are more likely to hold better jobs and be well off. They are also more likely to be involved in the civil rights movement because their livelihood is not dependent on the white people. Once Anne moves away to go to school that is when she begins to be involved in the NAACP and the Coalition for the Organization of Racial Equality (CORE). Anne, who did very well in school when she was young, was even encouraged by her white bosses. The Claiborne’s encourage her to succeed in her studies and even ask her to eat with them at their supper table. Anne’s education and her ability to think for herself is art of the reason why she begins to grow apart from her family. These issues come to a head when she decides to change her name from Essie Mae to Annie