Florence by Alice Childress

What causes Mama to disagree with Mrs. Carter about her brother’s book?


 In Lost In My Lonely Way, book written by Mrs. Carter’s brother, a negro named Zelma decided to commit suicide. Zelma is ashamed for the fact that the blood of the Negro is flowing in her despite that she is almost white. Mama obviously disagree with the plot written in the book. Mama challenges this view of blacks by providing examples of light-skinned blacks who are quite happy and successful. Mama’s cousin, Hemsly and Mama’s friend Essie Kitredge daughter. Mrs. Carter abruptly stops the conversation and insists that the subject is too controversial to discuss with a black woman.

What does this disagreement tell the audience about both characters?

This disagreement tells that Mrs. Carter seems to see herself as a tolerant and liberal person.

But she utters words that defines her as a racist. For instance, she insults Mama by asking if she 

lives in the small town that has her "bored to tears". She herself is born in the south. She has no 

interest in hearing the truth.  As for Mama, she is a strong black woman and does not get 

intimidated easily by the white. Mrs. Carter is insulting and racially insensitive. A polite woman.

Believes that not being a white does not mean you are a nobody.