Hard Work and Perserverance

In spite of a certain degree of pessimism in the community, Francie's mother is an example of someone who works hard without complaining, knowing that if she tries hard enough and saves diligently enough, she can improve her circumstances. She has taught her children the value of hard work and, although there are times when the children are discouraged and feel they will never get out of Alabama, Mama proves to them that she is right. She is able to take the doubting comments in stride. There are those who almost seem to hope she will fail, but she does not let them stop her.

Another illustration of this concept is Jesse's Pruitt's determination to get out from under his oppressive circumstances and start a better life. Jesse walks seven miles to get to a school where he is blatantly out of place. After his...