After being informed of certain behaviors about her daughter ("is it true that you sing benna in Sunday school?"23), Mom decides it is time to sit Girl down and have 'the talk'. This talk consists of instructions and restrictions of everyday life for women.

Mom lovingly gives Girl lots of instructions needed by every woman in her generation. She tells her of washing clothes ("Wash the white clothes on Monday and put them on the stone heap"23), cooking meals ("soak salt fish overnight before you cook it"23), shopping ("when buying cotton to make yourself a nice blouse, be sure that it doesn't have gum on it"23), and setting the table ("this is how you set a table for tea; this is how you set a table for dinner; this is how you set a table for dinner with an important guest; this is how you set a table for lunch; this is how you set a table for breakfast"24). She also explains sewing ("this is how to sew on a button; this is how to make a button hole for the button you have just sewed on"23), gardening ("this is how you grow okra ---- far from the h

Mom brilliantly plots a way to inform Girl that her behavior is not acceptable. She implies that actions and attitudes displayed by Girl would lead to a very naughty and disapproved lifestyle. She sits Girl down and imparts to her the facts of life. Girl knows Mom's hidden agenda and decides to defend herself without convincing Mom of her innocence. Ironically, it is her innocence that convinces Mom she is guilty.

ouse, because okra tree harbors red ants"24), house cleaning ("this is how you sweep a corner; this is how you sweep a whole house; this is how you sweep a yard"24), and greeting others ("this is how you smile to someone you don't like too much; this is how you smile to someone you don't like at all; this is how you smile to someone you like completely"24). Although necessary and with a thread of reality, the instructions are not without fun and games to include the lighter side of life. "this is how you spit up in the air if you feel like it, and this is how to move quick so that it doesn't fall on you" (24) Mom's do's are verbalized in how-to's or instructional form. "this is how to sew on a button" (24) A restrictive form would be 'always sew on a button' or 'sew on buttons'. It is clear the conversation is well rounded with instructions provided to produce a well rounded Girl.

Girl knows why Mom decided to spend this time with her. She knows it is her time to be instructed on the next stages of life as she is

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 975
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)