Answer: Mrs. Flowers says that although Maya does good work in school, she needs to talk; Mrs. Flowers thinks that spoken language is essential, and words do not mean as much on paper as they do when they are spoken. Maya hangs on Mrs. Flowers' every word, thinking her advice wise and truthful. Mrs. Flowers advises her to learn from the people around her, and that having a formal education does not mean a person has real intelligence or wit. Mrs. Flowers sends Maya home with A Tale of Two Cities and a book of poetry, expecting her to read the works aloud in order to enjoy the language and regain her voice. Maya finally regains the will to speak, and feels very special at being noticed and taught by Mrs. Flowers.
