Part 1: Chapter 9 Summary and Analysis

Towards the end of the school year, Essie has to bring her birth certificate to school for their records. However, Essie's records and those of her brother and sister were burned up when Junior set fire to the house. When the birth certificate arrives from Jackson, it states that Essie's real name is Annie Mae. Mama is upset and tries to get the name changed, but Essie fights to keep the new name and Mama finally relents. At school, the kids continue to call her Moody and at home, Mama will not let the other children call her anything but Essie.

That summer Raymond gives up farming and heads to California to find work. Jobs for Negro men are extremely scarce in Mississippi, but after a month, Raymond has had no luck and returns home. Times are extremely tough...