l come from the same cultural background, and thus, they are placed on the same level on the social pyramid. This is seen when Marguerite describes how her glass [sits] with Miss Glorys on a separate shelf from the others (4). Angelou suggests that people with opposite backgrounds are inferior of each other, and the traditional Miss Glory feels that she has power over the new girl Marguerite. Marguerite also knows to [think] privately (4) about her opinion towards Mrs. Cullinan and her ugliness, because she is inferior. Marguerite is possibly already aware of the consequences if she ever referred to Mrs. Cullinan as ugly. Even though Marguerite arrived not too long ago, there is already a pre-placed barrier between the blacks and whites. Blacks and whites are taken as complete opposite cultures in society. In the incident where Marguerite serves tea to Mrs. Cullinan and her friends on the porch, one lady asks for her name. Without the blink of an eye, Mrs. Cullinan responds for Marguerite and tells her friend she doesnt talk much. Her names Margaret (5). This stereotype placed on Marguerite is not based on any substance, considering she has only known Marguerite for a few days. In reality, Marguerite does have a lot to say, and is not being quiet just because she is shy. Marguerites failure to rebut, but giving a fake smile instead portrays the strong communication barrier between the two cultures. Deep down inside Marguerite would love to correct the old, rich, white woman, because she cannot even pronounce her name correctly. Because of this racial separation of communication, the only way Margaret can express her feelings is by writing a poem on being white, fat, old, and without children, implying Mrs. Cullinan. One can clearly see the difficulty of the communication across worlds, indicating that blacks and whites have a certain level of distance between them. This distance is already set, and nothing can be done to ch...
