Narrator's Journey of Self-Worth

Toni Morrison reflects on her early job cleaning a house for two dollars, highlighting the contrast between her employer's neighborhood and her own. She takes pride in contributing to her family and learns valuable life lessons from her father about self-worth and identity. Despite challenges, she grows and understands that her value is not defined by her work but by who she is as a person.

What was the narrator's initial task for earning two dollars?

• Cooking meals

• Cleaning the house

• Gardening

• Babysitting

What was one of the items the narrator had never seen before working at the employer's house?

• A zinc tub

• A plastic-covered sofa

• A hover vacuum cleaner

• A wood-burning stove

Why did the narrator feel proud of her work?

• She could buy new clothes

• She could travel to new places

• She could attend a better school

• She could contribute to her family's expenses

What did the narrator do with half of her wages?

• Saved it for college

• Spent it on toys

• Gave it to her mother

• Bought books

How were children perceived in the 1940s according to the narrator?

• As spoiled

• As necessary contributors

• As nuisances

• As burdens

What tasks were children expected to do in the 1940s?

• Only play and study

• Work on farms and care for younger children

• Travel and explore

• Attend school full-time

What was the narrator's reaction to the increasing demands of her job?

• She struggled but feared losing her job

• She asked for a raise

• She complained to her employer

• She immediately quit

What did the narrator's employer offer her for a price?

• New furniture

• Old clothes

• A bicycle

• A pet

What did the narrator fear losing if she complained about her job?

• Her chance to buy new clothes

• Her employer's respect

• Her freedom and standing at home

• Her opportunity to learn new skills

What did the narrator's mother ask her about the clothes offered by the employer?

• If she wanted to work for cast-offs

• If she wanted to buy more

• If she needed more clothes

• If she liked the clothes