``Names

This story takes place in the first half of the twentieth century, in Stamps, Arkansas, USA.

Starts by comparing the education of black girls of her generation in the Southern American States with that of white girls.

Marguerit

Marguerite, or Margaret, is the main character of the story

Margaret has many aspects related to the author of the story which can be seen as an autobiography of Maya Angelou.
She lived with her grandmother, who she called Momma and with her brother, Bailey. At first, Marguerite is obedient and does everything she is asked to. She feels pity for Mrs Cullinan because she cant have children

Marguerit's Portrait
Physical Psychological Shows determintions, a strong sense of selfwot and pride in herself; quiet and obedient

A ten years old negro girl who doesn't speak a lot

Marguerite and Mrs. Cullinan change along the story

At the beginning, Marguerite is a quiet and obedient girl. She doesn't mind being called Margaret by Mrs Cullinan (she understands it as a wrong way of saying her name). But, when Mrs Cullinan starts calling her Mary, Marguerite shows her rebellious side.

Other Characters

Bailey (Margarets Brother) Mrs. Randall Mr. Cullinan (Mrs. Cullinans husband)

And the ladies (Mrs. Viola's friends)

Among all of them, Bailey is probably the most relevant

Signs of racial prejudice in the story

Black girls had a less privileged education than white girls; Black servants had separate glasses to drink from and their glasses were kept in separate shelves

Black girls couldn't look directly at their white masters' face

Black servants were "called out of their names" (renamed according to their white masters' wishes).

The title and the message of the story

Our name is an essential part of our identity, In this story that identity is "denied", since Mrs Cullinan decided to change Marguerites name to Mary, just because it was easier to say When Mrs Cullinan starts calling her Mary, Marguerite, who used to be an obedient girl, just cant stand it.