Connecting Storylines

A connection between the life of Ruth May and President Lumumba seems to be present. They both portray a common role as the innocent, loving character in their unique, individual situations. They were both liked within their own communities. The Congolese were fond of Lumumba, and Ruth May was well liked by the children of the Congo, who often played “Mother May I” with her. Both Lumumba and Ruth May in that sense assumed authoritative roles, he being the leader of the Congo, she being the leader of the Congo’s children. I also find it interesting that these two assumed leadership roles because of the nature of their status. Patrice Lumumba was a postal worker, while Ruth May was just the Price’s youngest. If I were to choose a leader, I wouldn’t exactly consider those roles to amount to something greater. Additionally, and perhaps ironically, these two leaders would also die on the same day. Lumumba was freed of imprisonment through his death, and Ruth May was freed of her illness through her death. And the way the Africans grieved and the way the Prices grieved due to these losses can also be viewed as a connection, or a similarity.