Analysis Of Melba Pattilo Beals 'Warriors Don' T Cry

Melba Pattilo Beals is an African American woman, who was born on December 7, 1941. Warriors Don’t Cry is was memoir of Beals’ encounter in the Civil Right Era. With memorable encounters with the Little Rock 9, who were a group of 9 African American students who were enrolled to Central High in Little Rock, Arkansas. Central High was an all-white school before the integration. Leading up to the integration, Beals’ childhood was extremely painful encounters, which no child should experience in their childhood. The realization of these experiences were considered mile stones in her life. There are specific scene when Beals is faced with the segregated reality of her daily life, even as a child with the merry-go-round in the park. She did not know as child of the unspoken invisible line that could not be crossed. The school bathroom incident, when a group of white girls trapped Beals in the

I brushed the singeing ashes away from my face as I frantically grabbed for the door to open it" (page 119). This emphasizes that as Melba is being harassed in the bathroom, she is helpless and certain that this will be the day she loses her life. Furthermore, this confirms that Melba is being tortured for no valid reason and at every chance possible. Danny explains to Melba, "It takes a warrior to fight a battle and survive. This here is a battle if I've ever seen one" (page 113). This symbolizes, somewhat, Danny's appreciation for the difficulties of Melba's struggle in Central High School. Also, this is giving Melba a sense of encouragement and the idea that she should be ready for anything. This will help her continue to stay in Central High School despite the arduous challenges she faces on a daily basis. Therefore, Melba has to sacrifice her childhood to try to improve her life by adapting to the challenges of Central High