Adults versus Children

I agree with Tierra in that in the beginning passages we begin to understand how the minds of children are affected by their surroundings and what the adults around them have to say. There is a sense of fear that seems to be provoked by the adults in Claudia's life in that she only wants to please them and will do anything in her power to do so, even if it means convincing herself that she can never again be sick: "By and by I will not get sick; I will refuse to." (12 Morrison) The strong aggression that the mother has toward Claudia is seen when she is angered at her for vomiting on the bedspread, something that a child cannot prevent. There is a sense that the adults in this society speak to children without ever really communicating with them in that " adults do not talk to us- they give us directions. they issue orders without providing information" (10 Morrison) The lack of consideration and high expectations of the adults evoke fear within the children that they must be in control of their every action, even their illnesses.