How Does Copper Sun Affect An Individual's Journey

Development of Amari

Approximately 12.5 million Africans were shipped across the Atlantic to become slaves. In the story Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper, Amari was one of these slaves. Copper Sun is a historical fiction novel about a young girl, 15 years old, and her journey through slavery. She was taken away from her African village, sold into slavery and abused. Amari and her new friends, Polly and Tidbit, attempt to escape to Fort Mose. During this journey Amari grows and matures as a result of loss, journey, conflict and time. Loss, journey, conflict, and maturity cause people to grow and become who they are today.

One thing that affects an individual’s maturity is loss. Throughout this novel, Amari encountered many losses. One thing she

This book shows Amari’s physical and emotional journey. Amari’s physical journey starts when white people kidnap her and 23 others from her village. They were forced into shackles around their necks and ankles, which connected them to one another. After walking day after day like this they made it to Cape Coast where they were separated and pushed into a crowded, unsanitary, dark room. She was later sold, branded and boarded a ship. On this ship she was raped at night, and tied up during the day. After this long 3 month trip, they reach land. She was sold again and put to work at the plantation, tortured and raped. Amari and her new friends, Polly and Tidbit, left the plantation they were enslaved at, trying to escape slavery. Draper says, “For the first time since her capture in Africa, Amari relaxed.” (Draper 210). Amari’s physical journey ended when they ran away. After traveling far south, they reached Fort Mose. This symbolizes her freedom and sense of self that she rediscovered. Amari also had an emotional journey during this. She lost her entire family at 15, she was abused at night by Clay, and she struggled with her own thoughts. While talking to Teenie, Amari says “You got root that kill?”(Draper 112). She was thinking about ending her own life, but Teenie wouldn’t let her. She also explained to Amari that nothing lasts forever. Amari learned to persevere

She matures and learns how to take care of herself and others. While Polly, Tidbit, and Amari were running from the plantation, they didn’t have much food. Draper says, “Amari rummaged in the wagon to see if any food remained. She found one small pouch of berries. She gave them all to Tidbit”(Draper 278). Amari feeds Tidbit the rest of the food they had, and puts his life before hers. Amari puts others before herself, showing she isn’t selfish. This will be important because she is going to be a mom and it’s important that she can put others before herself. Maturity helps people to understand the bigger picture in life and to open their minds to the world around