Later, Truman becomes involved with a white woman, Lynne Rabinowitz, who is also active in the Civil Rights struggle, though perhaps for the wrong reasons.

As time passes, Truman attempts unsuccessfully, to achieve personal and financial success while Meridian continues to stay involved in the movement and fight for issues she deeply believes in.

[4] A strong believer in the inherent power of the woman, Walker depicts her title character as an innately tough and resolute person, though not one without problems.

Throughout the book Meridian risked her life to affirm the principle of integration, for it had already been established as law, rather than give up the practice of non violence.

However, this "heroism" was not out of strength it was out of necessity and Meridian sought to change that, with the action of giving up her child to pursue her dreams.

[citation needed] Upon getting pregnant out of wedlock in Meridian's teenage years she is expelled from school and forced to give up her education.

The main character Meridian goes against the norms of society; she gives up her son Eddie Jr for adoption to pursue her education and becomes an activist in the civil rights movement.

Chaney, Schwerner, and Goodman were missing for over a month until their bodies were found murdered and buried in early August 1964.

[9] Walker sets the novel during this time with her three main characters, Meridian, Truman, and Lynne, getting involved in this movement and meeting each other through it.