Black Boy

by

Richard Wright

Miss Simon Character Analysis

A kind woman who runs the orphanage in Memphis to which Richard is sent as a young child, Miss Simon takes a liking to Richard, who is so nervous that he cannot perform the tasks of her “secretary,” as she desires. Miss Simon later punishes Richard with the switch for trying to escape the orphanage.
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Miss Simon Character Timeline in Black Boy

The timeline below shows where the character Miss Simon appears in Black Boy. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1
Movement and Dislocation Theme Icon
Hunger, Illness, and Suffering Theme Icon
Society and the Individual Theme Icon
...work. She places Richard and his brother in a local orphanage, in the care of Miss Simon , because she cannot afford to feed, clothe, and house the boys. (full context)
Movement and Dislocation Theme Icon
Hunger, Illness, and Suffering Theme Icon
Society and the Individual Theme Icon
...out of the orphanage lawn, because the facility is too poor to afford lawn mowers. Miss Simon takes a liking to Richard and asks if he would like to be adopted by... (full context)
Movement and Dislocation Theme Icon
Hunger, Illness, and Suffering Theme Icon
Society and the Individual Theme Icon
...police officer. The officer takes Richard back to the orphanage, where he is lashed by Miss Simon . When his mother next visits, she tells Richard that he must remain in the... (full context)