Cynthia Davis notes that, "All of Morrison's characters exist in a world defined by its blackness and by the surrounding white society that both violates and denies it (Davis 217)." ... When winter falls on Medallion early and everything freezes, elderly women scatter stove ashes on top of the ice, bringing fire and water together in imagery. ... When Hannah's dress catches on fire and she begins to burn, the neighbors throw water on her, stopping the fire but in actuality continuing it in a way. The steam from the water sears Hannah's skin, inflicting pain and bodily damage jus...

• Word Count: 1501
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate