How does the mother’s description of her working ability help to establish her character?

Mama's description of her working ability sets her up as a reliable narrator who holds no illusions about her life and place in society.

In real life I am a large, big boned woman with rough, man.working hands. In the winter I wear flannel nightgowns to bed and overalls dur.ing the day. I can kill and clean a hog as mercilessly as a man.

Mama is aware of her poverty but seems content in her rural life with Maggie. Mama seems to be a fair judge of character and her life.