How Does Maureen Change Throughout The Ashes Of Rose

The novel Ashes Of Roses by Mary Jane Auch describes the lives of immigrants in New York City in 1911. While the main character is from Ireland, they meet people from other parts of the world. They all want to create a better life in America, but it’s not easy. Some people live in a small country outside of America where there are many more people there. Maureen changes from an impulsive bratty child to a mature adult like pre-teen. Initially, the character Maureen is depicted as impulsively immigrant protective of her family. Off the ship, coming from ellis island and going to NYC she’s overwhelmed over stimulated. Maureen reacts to the thieves trying to take the family possessions: ‘“The short man wrestled with Maureen for the suitcase, but she kicked him in the shins.’” Maureen seems she is able to defend her family from trouble in NYC, Maureen defends her family, but she doesn't think about the danger. After the fight with Uncle Patrick and Maureen thinks impulsively: ‘“She grabbed Hildagarde by her potholder braids and

Maureen is now apologizing after talking rudely. She also wants to help out by getting a job. After Rose and Maureen left Mom and Bridget. They started looking for a place to live: ‘“My sister told ye, we don’t need looking after were perfectly able to fend for ourselves. We just need a place to stay.”’ Maureen is still really sassy but she catches on that she needs to be nicer in America. After Gussie and Rose told Maureen she can't find a job: ‘“That man she’s with is a subtracter,’ Gussie said. ‘He finds who are willing to work for less money and sells their services to the company.”’ Maureen can be seen getting more mature as the story goes on. Gussie says Maureen is too young to get a job but she gets a job anyway. This far in the story, Maureen starts to think and makes some really smart choices and her character is in the process of