Essay Questions

How does the author show that racism was prevalent in the mid-1950s?

The main character, Tricia Ann, is a young black girl born and raised in the 1950s. Tricia Ann's dream is to live in a world or place free of racism despite her young age. During her time, Ann realized that black people are mistreated because of their skin color and ethnicity. The white people believe that blacks are objects of free labor. When Tricia Ann learns that there is a place where there is no discrimination, she is determined to go there. When Tricia Ann arrives at her destined place, she realizes that there are notices that they are preserved for the white people. However, Ann discovers that the people in the town are welcoming despite having white skin. At last, Tricia Ann gets into Nashville Library, where all people are treated equally regardless of race or ethnicity.

What is the symbolic meaning of the Nashville Library?

Surprisingly, when Tricia Ann gets into the library, she is surprised that there is no racism or discrimination because all people are treated equally. Consequently, the library symbolizes wisdom and education as the only tools that successfully fight racism and foster harmony amongst all people. Racism is an act of ignorance because people fail to understand that all people are equal before God's eyes. Having a white or black skin color does not make one a lesser or superior human being. Therefore, the library emblems knowledge that is essential in fighting racism.

What is the crucial lesson readers learn from Tricia Ann?

The protagonist is depicted as a brave black girl who is determined to fight racism. When Ann understands that there is a place where people can live freely without being discriminated against, she goes there alone despite her young age. At last, when Tricia Ann gets into the library, she realizes that all people have access to information. Consequently, knowledge is power, and Ann uses it to fight racism. Therefore, readers learn that there is nothing impossible in this world as long as one is determined.