Darlene

=Darlene (page 145)= //Daisy, Evan, So Yeon//


 * Reveals Cholly's innocence as a young child
 * //He genuinely wishes to help Darlene when she tries to tie her ribbon;// //"Cholly felt sorry for her ..." (145)//
 * Interesting shift of hatred is shown; Cholly, who, in fact, feels hatred towards the white men, starts hating Darlene instead. The antagonistic feeling is directed towards Darlene because Cholly, as a young, black boy at this time, feels powerless when faced with the sense of superiority of the white men.
 * The white men in the scene are depicted as overpowering figures; the differences between Cholly, a black boy, and the white men are underlined.
 * Darlene seems to be a victim in the sense that Cholly decides to direct hatred towards her, as if he is blaming her for what has happened. (treatment of women issue)
 * Another case where Morrison provides the readers with insights into the character's past life that reveals the hidden sides of the character who could otherwise, be completely hated for his or her brutal, cruel actions. Cholly's interaction with Darlene, while underlining his childlike innocence as mentioned, also helps portray him as another unfortunate victim (his very first experience with a girl simply gets 'ruined', leaving him a twisted view or perception on love, experiences or relationships with women).