Mama Lena on the other hand is a pretty different type of leader, she is more humble and willing to communicate with her family but still is controlling by using her power. When Mama is tending to her plant Ruth sees how much Mama enjoys it and she responds saying, “I always wanted me a garden like I used to see sometimes at the back of the houses down home. This plant is close as I ever got to having one” (53). Mamas plant is standing as a symbol for how much she truly cares about her family and what they want for their lives. Her commitment to the plant is the same as to her family. The way she takes care of the the plant by watering it and letting it grow is the same thing she is doing with her family, she helps her family along the way
