# data[].attributes.body
Mother Shipton is not just a nickname. When people give others nicknames, they have some reason to use the chosen name, and they pick a name that somewhat defines the person that is using this nickname. The name Mother Shipton is used to describe someone who is motherly, this meaning caring and controlling, whose last name is Shipton.

# data[].attributes.body
Mother Shipton is called such in order for the author, Bret Harte, to convey to the reader that Mother Shipton is kind and caring, regarding others' health and needs before her own, just like a mother, without stating this directly. The name also communicates that the character is likely older as often mothers are older.

# data[].attributes.headline
What does she do? What is she known for?

# data[].attributes.subject
What does she do? What is she known for?

# data[].attributes.body
It is not discussed whether or not Mother Shipton has a job or not; however, it seems that she may be known for being promiscious as this is the reason give for why the two women were exiled. She is also known for being quite vulgar and malevolent, as it is explained that she swears quite often and wishes violence and death upon others.

# data[].attributes.headline
Are these positive or negative attributes?

# data[].attributes.subject
Are these positive or negative attributes?

# data[].attributes.body
What she is known for seems to be overall, negative. Being bitterness and cruelty aren't typically seen as positive attributes. Her non-conformity could be seen as empowering, and thus positive, in these times; however, this was likely not the case during the time period in which the story is set. Therefore, the attributes she is known for are negative.

# data[].attributes.headline
How did others perceive her in the town?

# data[].attributes.subject
How did others perceive her in the town?

# data[].attributes.body
In Poker Flat, Mother Shipton is perceived as an unacceptable person. She does not conform to the standards that society created for women. She is perceived as a a delinquent and a sinner. The whole reason why she was exiled from Poker Flat was because she was seen this way.

# data[].attributes.headline
How did others in the group of "outcasts" perceive her?

# data[].attributes.subject
How did others in the group of "outcasts" perceive her?

# data[].attributes.body
Many characters in the group of outcasts view Mother Shipton as a troubled, mean woman with a tarnished soul and who doe not like anyone. However, The Innocents do not seem to perceive her this way. They perceive her simply as a person, a human being. They view her as a friend and an equal. Never once do they express dislike of her due to her attitude and mistakes. They are able to see the true Mother Shipton, a troubled yet wise and kind lady.

# data[].attributes.body
Mother Shipton has to leave Poker Flat because she is exiled so that she can be made an example in order to warn people against criminal activity, as this type of activity had been happening in the town. It can be infered that the reason she was exiled is because she is promiscuous and does not meet the social standard for women: she swears and is sour and cruel.

# data[].attributes.body
The judges in Poker Flat decided that Mother Shipton needed to be exiled from the town, deeming her an "improper person."

# data[].attributes.headline
How does the character view leaving Poker Flat? What are her feelings in regard to leaving?

# data[].attributes.subject
How does the character view leaving Poker Flat? What are her feelings in regard to leaving?

# data[].attributes.body
Mother Shipton certainly does not express happiness in regards to leaving Poker Flat. She is angry about it and expresses this through her use of expletives and her wish of taking violent action towards others.

# data[].attributes.headline
How does the character "end" the story? Literally

# data[].attributes.subject
How does the character "end" the story? Literally

# data[].attributes.body
Mother Shipton comes to an end in an honorable way in this story. She refuses all of her rations, starving herself to death, so that The Innocents could have them.

# data[].attributes.headline
Why does Harte leave the character this way at the end of the story? What is the purpose behind the conclusion of the character?

# data[].attributes.subject
Why does Harte leave the character this way at the end of the story? What is the purpose behind the conclusion of the character?

# data[].attributes.body
Harte leaves Mother Shipton this way at the end of the story to convey that people aren't always how they appear at first. He leaves her dead after an honorable and selfless act in order to convey to his readers that people have many layers and that oftentimes what one sees at first glance is merely a mask that some puts on for others, and that their true selves are hidden deep down. Previously, he had described Mother Shipton as being an overall vile and disliked character who didn't seem selfless or compassionate at all, especially due to her malevolent expressions. This image was completely contradicted by the way that Mother Shipton died, as Harte wants to convey the message that people are complicated and that most are kind at heart, even if they don't appear so.

# data[].attributes.headline
What side of "man" does this character represent?

# data[].attributes.subject
What side of "man" does this character represent?

# data[].attributes.body
Mother Shipton represents the side of man that is good at heart. This side of man can make mistakes and may even appear cruel and mean to others, as Mother Shipton does, but they are actually a good person. One will notice that Mother Shipton never actually does anything to harm others, in fact, one of the main actions she does, giving up her rations, is to help other people. She also lets the Duchess use her mule and gives her advice on how to express her emotions. She is only perceived as being harmful to society due to her mistakes. Behind those mistakes are her gentility, wisdom, and selflessness; her motherly nature.