Note that Jefferson is not illiterate; he is merely uneducated. Consequently, he knows wrong from right. Jefferson has worked hard all his life. He is not the stereotypical lazy, shiftless Negro. He has grown up without a male role model, but he has been raised with love by his godmother, Miss Emma.
Jefferson respects his elders and is on friendly terms with Alcee Gropé, who asks about Jefferson's nannan. He was raised by Miss Emma and Mr. Oscar, his godparents. He likes cake, candy, and ice cream, which symbolize his yearning for fun and enjoyment. He had a friend named Boo, who apparently went insane. He enjoyed going hunting with his friend Gable. He has never expressed his feelings for anyone, or had anyone express their feelings for him. He knows his Bible. He is quiet and generally keeps to himself, much like Mr. Farrell Jarreau. He likes music. He is naive, passive, and easily influenced. Note that he still refers to Miss Emma as his "nannan," suggesting his naivete and childlike innocence.
