Central High School Sparknotes

During the year when Melba decides to integrate Central High School, she forges herself into a warrior. In this time period, African Americans are treated as second-class citizens. Melba believes African Americans should be treated equally, not as second class citizens. While she is at Central High School, she faced racism and discriminations; the segregationists tries to expel her in every possible way they can think of. In order to survive Central High School, Melba uses variety of “weapons” including courage, help from Danny and Link, and determination within herself.
One battle that Melba survived is when a boy comes directly toward her on a collision course and flashed a shiny black object in her face. Melba describes the pain, “So intense, so sharp, I thought I’d die.” (121) Immediately, Danny flushes waters in her eyes so the pain can be lessen. Later, she was examined by an optometrist. The optometrist put a soothing substance into her eye and covers them with eye patches. He said, “Whoever kept that water going in her eyes saved the quality of her sight, if not her sight itself.” (123) So if Danny did not act quickly
One of the dangerous actions Melba faces is when she tries to enter Central High School on the first day. On that day, there is a mob and starts chasing Melba and her mother. When they escaped and arrived home, Melba is frighten and does not wants to go back to Central High School. However, her grandmother, India, said, “Naw, you’re not a quitter.” (42) Another situation is when the Screaming Eagles left Central High School, Melba faces taunt and blows. Melba wants to run away, but Danny’s words come up to her mind, “Warriors survive.” (118) Melba receives support from her grandmother and Danny, and determination starts to build inside of her. With her determination, her goal is to survive Central High School until the end of the