Reread pages 44–45. How does Mama respond to Tio’s marriage proposal after the fire? What does that tell you about Mama as a person? What does she see as her role in the family?

Mama accepts Tio Luis' propsal in order to keep her family safe. She realizes that their lives are dependent upon the uncles, and that the uncles have the power to destroy them. In this instance, she does what she believes to be right for everyone.... everyone but herself. As a result of Papa's death, Mama believes that it is her role to protect her family.