Blog 9

Blog 9: Character Analysis - Rosaleen ---- Rosaleen was probably the strongest character in the book. From the very beginning she is portrayed as the woman in charge of Lily and keeping the house running. Rosaleen raised Lily even though they were not blood related. She was there for her through thick and thin and taught her more than Lily realized. The reason Lily made the journey to Tiburon in the first place is because of Rosaleen. Rosaleen's character showed through when she decided to register to vote, soon after the privelage was awarded. Rosaleen knew that most people in their town would not approve of her registering to vote and yet she proudly walked into town. On the way to register, Rosaleen stole fans from a church because she was hot. She then spit on a group of white men's shoes as she walked by them after they had made comments about her being black. The men attacked her asking for an apology and she would give none. When taken to the prison, she still wouldn't apologize when beaten. Rosaleen made comments throughout the book about Lily talking to her as if she needed someone to speak for her. She showed her strong side when needed, but her soft side when allowed. She became close to May and was devastated when May committed suicide. Rosaleen was Lily's strong tower until she got to the Boatwright's and learned about her family. Rosaleen stayed by Lily's side no matter what happened.