“’We’re in this together Amari’”. (217) In the story Copper Sun, Polly helps Amari through her struggle in the New World. In Amari’s time of need, Polly teaches her English, motivates, supports, and protects her, and takes care of Clay. When Amari arrives to America she is expected to know English. The ignorant white people expect a foreigner to know their own language. “’ Your job is to teach her a little bit of the King’s English, to teach her how civilized people live and act, and most importantly to teach her absolute obedience.’” Mr. Derby says this Polly, expecting her to do all of this. Polly is weary of this at first but does teach Amari more English. Without learning this new language Amari may not have survived. She would have been beaten for being stupid and punished for not obeying. Luckily, Polly teaches her and continues to help her in other ways. …show more content…
Even if Polly hasn’t said anything directly, it is implied. When the two first meet, Polly thinks she is better than some black slave and that she will be working in the house with the whites. This pushes Amari to prove that she is worth something. Later in the story when the two girls grow closer Polly takes care of her. When Amari is whipped to unconsciousness, Polly helped her get better each day. “’You’ll be all right for now?’ Polly asked Amari, real concern in her voice.” (151) In the forest while running away, Polly was the person to stick her neck out to protect Amari and Tidbit from being taken or hurt. Also, at the very end Polly takes the step of bravery to protect Amari from