Copper Sun

The narration returns to Amari’s point of view, and the reader becomes aware of her own prejudices towards Polly: “The white girl, she gradually learned, had the chance to be free one day” and this thought causes Amari to “[snort] with disdain” (107). However, together Polly and Amari learn all about the ways of the plantation, how to prepare food, what is off limits, and what their duties are. Amari even teaches Teenie how to make the fish stew her mother used to make. “‘You know, my mama come from Africa too,’ Teenie told her. ‘She teached me what she knew ‘bout Africa food. Long as you remember, chile, it ain’t never gone.” (109). Amari’s continues to learn quite a bit of English and she “understood much more than she let anyone know, however. Most of what was said around her she could figure out, but she knew the value of keeping her mouth shut and acting ignorant. An occasional slight nod from Teenie told her she was doing the right thing” (110).

That evening, Master Clay calls Amari to his room. He asks Amari if she likes him, and she has a hard time answering the question.