Mavis Characteristics of the Major Female Characters
in the car, waiting for the attendant to collect the money, she examined her surroundings in the rear- and side view windows.
Nothing. Hard as she tried to control it, the Cadillac lurched out of the gas lane. Scared now, she forgot what to look for. Junction what?
Turn right to go south. No, west. Enter 70 at what? Morrison, 1997:36.
It can be seen that Mavis is afraid of Frank. She knows very well that she
will not win if she fights him. She chooses to escape from him, never let him see herself. It is mentioned in the text that she is scared “Scared now”, her anxiety
makes she forget what she look for. Mavis is caring and nice character. She always take cares all of the
house work in Convent. “The house seemed to belong to them, although they
referred to somebody named Connie. They cooked for her and didn’t pry” Morrison, 1997:131. From the beginning of the story Mavis always shows her
kindness to others. “Nap awhile,” said Mavis. I’ll call you when dinner’s ready. You like
fried chicken?” “You like crepes?”
“Um, starved,” Pallas answered. “There’s plenty. I put Connie’s aside, and I can make even more if
you want.” “It needs some clothes,” Gigi was scanning Pallas closely. “Nothing I
got will fit.” “Stop calling her “it”Morrison, 1997:131.
The dialog above shows that Mavis is nice and caring. She loves to take cares people who need help. The caring character of Mavis is the most suitable to
describe her personality. Women usually is described as a nurturer, Mavis has every characteristics of women. It can be seen from her action, dialog, and
manner. She is obedient to her men, she always follow and do what her husband told to her, and try to please her husband in bed. That is the ideal women which
are accepted in Ruby town. As a woman, Mavis always choose to silence because it is what she supposed to do
–“Mavis chose silence” Morrison, 1997:26. From the conversation between Mavis and her husband, she never speaks or replies
every Frank’s words. She chooses to silence because she understand that she is not permitted to answer her husband.