What mood was the author trying to create? Write down at least three words directly from the story that helped to create this mood.

The mood is often oppressive, dangerous and unjust. Consider Cassie's run-in with Lillian Jean Simms in Strawberry:

Behind him were his sons R.W. and Melvin. People from the store began to ring the Simmses. 'Ain't that the same little n***** was cuttin' up back there at Jim Lee's?" someone asked.... Yeah, she the one," answered Mr. Simms. 'You hear me talkin' to you, gal? You 'pologize to Miz Lillian Jean this minute.'" (5.94).