Little Flower

Little Flower is the primary subject of the story. She is a member of the Likouala tribe, and she is the smallest woman in the world. Little Flower’s existence was not known to the rest of the world until Marcel Pretre, a French explorer, discovered her in equatorial Africa. Little Flower cannot speak; she only communicates through simple noises and gestures. Furthermore, Little Flower is pregnant, which is the cause of much pity for many of the people who see her picture in the newspaper.

Little Flower’s laughter highlights the notion of cultural relativism. When she communicates with Pretre, she laughs because she is not “being devoured” (176). This highlights the different perspectives of gratitude between cultures. Marcel Pretre is distressed at the thought that Little Flower is laughing despite her circumstances. However, the danger that pervades Little Flower’s life means that she considers every...