BoBo the Clown

Mrs. McDonald

English 9-3

25 October 2004

 

                                                                                                A Friendship from the Heart

            The personality traits that an individual possesses help develop the relationships they develop with others. In the short story “Rose-Johnny” by Barbara Kingsolver, Rose-Johnny displays her unique characteristics in many ways. Rose-Johnny, a masculine yet ordinary woman, works in her grandfather’s feed store in the town of Walnut Knobs. Rose-Johnny’s generous behavior helps her initiate a meaningful relationship with Georgeann, the narrator.

            Rose-Johnny’s trait of generosity contributes to the personal, warmhearted relationship she establishes with Georgeann. Rose-Johnny illustrates this quality when she does not fully charge the Negro children for what they buy in the store. Cleota tells Georgeann that the amount of money she gives her for her purchases is all that Rose-Johnny ever asks for, even though Georgeann knows that more money is required. Rose-Johnny does not require full payment of purchases because of her benignity towards others, especially those who are less fortunate than herself, like the Negro children. Rose-Johnny’s generous and gracious behavior helps her institute an individual connection with Georgeann.

            Rose-Johnny’s character demonstrates much generosity which aids her  in developing a friendship with Georgeann. Rose-Johnny realizes the need to be giving to the Negro children because they could not afford the necessities of life. This trait, when observed by Georgeann, just helps to reinforce the friendship between the girl and the woman. The personality traits that people acquire help them establish relationships with others.