While reading this novel, one can notice a number of attributes of motherhood that have been highlighted by the author. First of all, it is important to note that there are two mother figures in Maya's life, namely Vivian and Annie. Vivian is her biological mother, while Annie is her paternal grandmother whom she calls mom and spends a significant part of her life at her home. At first, Maya is bitter about being abandoned by her parents, but she slowly adapts to living with her. grandmother with her brother Bailey. As she becomes accustomed to placing Annie as her mother and calling her "mom", she develops a trust and affection that places Annie in a hierarchy in Maya's eyes. In this sense, her conception of motherhood inspires confidence based on strength of character and the ability to offer comfort and assurance. Regarding her mother Vivian, Maya demonstrates confidence when she asks her about changes in her body and whether she might be a lesbian based on these changes or lack thereof. Vivian further discusses Maya's confidence when she allows her to drop out of school despite Maya not wanting to attend classes after she starts working as a bus driver. Another concept of motherhood presented is that of strength where, after her parents' divorce, Maya's mother is able to move forward in her life and even support her daughter against her boyfriend, Mr. Freeman. Here, Maya considers the aspect of strength as one of the pillars of motherhood and she persists on this path despite her doubts and fears as a young woman. When she returns to Mom after Mr. Freeman's death, she feels the strength of her grandmother who helps her overcome her silence. Aside from simply observing others, Maya en...... middle of paper .... ..with her charismatic brother who constantly looks out for her, supports her, and believes in her when no one else does. This positively affects her attitude towards men. Years later, however, her mother's boyfriend molests and rapes her, thus changing her view of men or rather broadening her understanding of them. She considers Mr. Freeman a pedophile, which he actually is. However, as she approaches adulthood, she develops a curiosity about men and at one point views them as objects for her pleasure. She also learns to love and respect her mother's husband, to the point of trusting him when her mother is away on business. Maya goes through a difficult time in the hands of a man, even after being abandoned by her father at a tender age. However, this does not completely put her at odds with men, but rather opens her mind, allowing her to view them objectively...