7 daddy clidell he is vivian s second husband

7. Daddy Clidell
He is Vivian ’ s second husband. Although Maya initially tries to dismiss him, Daddy
Clidell becomes the only real “ father ” Maya knows. He combines the virtues of
strength and tenderness and enjoys thinking of himself as Maya ’ s father. He
introduces her to his con-men friends and teaches her how to play poker. A successful
businessman despite his lack of education, he remains modest and confident.
Unlike the other men in Maya ’ s life (Mr. Freeman and Daddy Bailey), Daddy Clidell
treats her as a father should: he teaches her life lessons, tells her stories, and shows
her how to play cards. In fact, he seems pretty excited to be a dad, even though he
never had kids of his own. While Daddy Bailey seems to be striving for grandeur,
Clidell is self-confident without being boastful. He was a simple man who had no

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inferiority complex about his lack of education and, even more amazing, no
superiority complex because he had succeeded despite that lack. At first, Maya
thought he was just another of her mother ’ s boy-toys, but he ends up being a pretty
important influence on her life.
8. Mr. Freeman
He is Vivian ’ s live-in boyfriend in St. Louis. When Maya and Bailey move to St.
Louis, Mr. Freeman sexually molests and rapes Maya, taking advantage of her need
for physical affection and her innocent, self-conscious nature. In retrospect, Maya
feels partly responsible for Mr. Freeman ’ s fate, and her guilt over his murder haunts
her throughout her childhood.
Mr. Freeman is Vivian ’ s boyfriend and Maya ’ s rapist. Before the rape, Mr. Freeman ’ s
defining characteristic seems to be that he does not do anything. Seriously, he does
not talk, he does not read, he does not listen to the radio — he just sits there. Only
when Vivian comes home does he show any action, and he jumps out of his chair to
greet her. Maya describes Mr. Freeman as a “ big brown bear ” (11.4).
Mr. Freeman is an unlikely father figure for Maya. Although it is confusing for her,
his physical touch makes her feel wanted. Considering that she felt rejected by her
parents, and Momma ’ s love is not the touchy-feely kind, it makes sense that she is
deeply affected by his hug. His presence changed Maya ’ s life forever.
9. Mrs. Bertha Flowers
She is a black aristocrat living in Stamps, Arkansas. One of Maya ’ s idols, she
becomes the first person to prod Maya out of her silence after Maya ’ s rape, taking an
interest in Maya and making her feel special. Maya respects Mrs. Flowers mainly for
encouraging her love of literature.
Maya has a total girl-crush on Mrs. Flowers. This lady is beautiful, genteel, and
poised. She dresses as if she is going to have tea with the Queen, and she does not

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laugh but only smiles gracefully or giggles. Oh my! Mrs. Flowers is everything Maya
wants to be when she grows up.