Information Tool

Character Role Analysis

Joe's mother

Although Joe's mother is hardly in the story, she plays the part of both motivator and information tool. When Missie decides to leave Joe, she runs into his mother and changes her mind. The mother also lets Joe know that the baby Missie gives birth to is definitely his:

"You ain't ask 'bout de baby, Joe. You oughter be mighty proud cause he sho is de spittin' image of yuh, son." (121)

You know what they say—Mother always knows best.