One can learn responsibility through experience, whether the experience is grand or tragic. In Jewell Parker Rhodes' The Ninth Ward, twelve-year-old Lanesha demonstrates her growth by leading her and others to safety during a deadly storm. Once raised and cared for by her non-biological grandmother, Lanesha learns to care for herself and others. This meaning shows her transition from a girl to a young woman. Hurricane Katrina is approaching New Orleans, Louisiana, including the Ninth Ward, where Lanesha and her guardian, Mama Ya-Ya, live. The chapter, entitled "Sunday", opens with newspapers and television highlighting the word "evacuate". Mama Ya-Ya, who is normally on her feet, ready to welcome the day, is curled up on the couch and sleeping. Something disturbed Mama Ya-Ya; Lanesha also sees it when she wakes up. “I walk around the house. Even though it's Sunday, there's no smell of cinnamon-spiced waffles or pancakes. I can't smell the bacon. (I'm not hungry anyway.) It's quiet when there should be clanking pots in the kitchen. Me and Mama Ya-Ya should be at the table and discuss the storm” (Rhodes, 70). About halfway through the chapter, Lanesha notices that her neighbors are preparing for the storm to arrive. This worries her: “I feel nervous, watching my neighbors prepare for the storm. Tonight, when it hits, we will all be in our homes. I wonder if they feel the same as me. Afraid. If they fear getting hurt or not having enough to eat. Fear that, like the big bad wolf, the wind will sweep away all our homes” (Rhodes, 73). Seeing this, Lanesha realizes that something must be...... middle of paper...... these important decisions. As the story progresses, Mama Ya-Ya is fading away as the storm continues and as the days pass. Lanesha uses Mama Ya-Ya's wisdom and visions to guide her in preparing for the storm. When Mama Ya-Ya dies during a significant portion of the storm, Lanesha takes into account the fact that she is now a grown woman, who needs to get out alive. The chapter "Sunday" details how Lanesha comes to the realization that she must grow up quickly. Her transition from being Mama Ya-Ya's daughter to an independent soul stands out in this part of the story. Lanesha shows readers that she is capable of making constructive decisions on her own and that she can do it. He also proves that he can truly care for others like Mama Ya-Ya, his friend TaShon, and his dog Spot. Sometimes, we may need an experience, good or bad, to help us grow.