The novel Ashes of Roses by Mary Jane Auch narrates a story of the lives of immigrants in New York City in 1911. All of the characters that are mentioned in the story come from different backgrounds. In particular, Nola's family from Ireland deals with a lot of challenges throughout their journey. The middle sister, Maureen, who doesn’t want to be a purposeless person, develops from a child to a mature young woman. Maureen develops from a child to a mature young woman. Initially, the character of Maureen is portrayed as she struggles with her outspoken mind. Rose explains to Maureen what trachoma is. Maureen panics about having to go back to Ireland because she just got to America. Maureen doesn’t seem to think before she says: “‘Oh, no, they …show more content…
Ma gives in to the idea of Rose staying in America. Maureen sees this and she realizes this is the time to stick up for herself. Maureen decides to speak up to her mom by saying: “‘If Rose stays, then I’m stayin’ too… ‘Don’t be foolish, Maureen. A child yer age needs to be in school.’ ‘Then I’ll work after school.’”(113) Maureen makes clear that she is staying in America with Rose even if it means getting on her moms nerves. Maureen resumes to make known that she is maturing by requesting for a job: “‘Can ye get me a job, too?’ Maureen asked. ‘I’m twelve. That’s old enough to work.’”(147) Maureen expresses that she wants to be put in work. She wants something that she can call hers. Showing that Maureen is maturing she states that she has more to offer than just being a twelve year old …show more content…
Maureen decides that school is not worth her time. She shows up with a contractor for Rose's work. Rose decides to confront her. Maureen stands up for herself and says: “‘I’m not goin’ to school, Rose. There’s nothing ye can do to make me, so ye might as well let me work.’”(199) Maureen makes it known to Rose that she is done with school and that there is nothing that can make her stop until she gets the job. Rose spots down Mr. Garoff benign led by Maureen: “Then I spotted them-a dazen old man, bein’ led by a young girl.”(223) During this time, Maureen makes known that she has a considerate side and displays it by leading Mr. Garoff to a safe area because his vision is not good. Maureen has finally demonstrated that her personality is going in the right