The Challenging Path of Melba in the Novel Warriors Don’t Cry

Melba, the main character from the book, Warriors Don’t Cry, had to endure great challenges and trials throughout her time at Central High School. These trials that Melba went through strengthened her as a young woman and as a warrior. There is one instance in the book where one boy starts calling Melba a plethora of vulgar names, instead of reacting, Melba replied with a simple, thank you. After the incident, Melba thought to herself, “I felt myself smiling inside. As Grandma India said, turning the other cheek could be difficult, but for me, it was also beginning to be a lot of fun.” (Beals, 181). This shows Melba being a warrior by not giving her antagonists what they want, a reaction.

Melba couldn’t have gone through these trials without her family and friends. She needed guidance throughout and was given great words of wisdom. From her grandmother she learned how to ignore her perpetrators. From Danny she learned how to stay focused to avoid bad situations. From Link, she learned the inside scoop about what her bullies were planning next. Finally, her journal, it helped her express her feelings and analyze a situation through talking to god. All of these combined helped Melba keep her head up and persevere through the worst of times.

Some examples of the battles that Melba fights are very lengthy. The first major incident that occured was one day while Melba was walking home from school. A man pulled over and offered Melba some candy. Melba caught on to what was going on, refused his offer and ran off. The man proceeded to chase after Melba. Melba makes it home safely, thanks to a friend, but Melba’s family is shocked. They knew what the man wanted from Melba (Beals, 16). The second incident occurs at Central, in the women’s bathroom. While Melba was using the restroom the young girls at Central decided to start showering Melba with wads of flaming paper. Melba described these moments as feeling helpless and that she thought she might die, “I felt as though I would die at any moment. The more I yelled for help, the more I inhaled smoke and the more I coughed.” (Beals, 119). The third battle that Melba had to endure in her days at Central was a feat. Melba was casually walking down the halls of Central when suddenly and unexpectedly, acid was sprayed in her eyes and was dragged down the hall by her ponytail. Melba was going to be okay, but this occurrence caused her to be more aware and on her toes for anything that may happen (Beals, 121). The final battle that Melba had to face occurred one day after school. Melba knew she had to focus and stay aware so she didn’t get herself into trouble. She let her mind wander for a split second and was put into a dangerous situation. She made a wrong turn into the most lethal areas of Central. One of Melba’s main antagonists, Andy, caught her off guard and started calling her expletive names. Luckily, Melba escaped with the help of a new ally, Link, who she would soon learn to trust and befriend (Beals, 171). These conflicts that occured at Central shaped Melba as a young woman, she would never forget what happened at Central High.

Melba was a key player in what changed the school system for the better. I look up to Melba greatly, she endured the worst conditions and situations. I believe that if all students could see what Melba went through they would appreciate their education more. Melba showed the world that through hard work and bravery you can get through anything. I think that Melba being described a “warrior” is the perfect definition, considering the the situations she was put in. Melba, the main character from the book, Warriors Don’t Cry, had to endure great challenges and trials throughout her time at Central High School. These trials that Melba went through strengthened her as a young woman and as a warrior.