The Sun Parlor is a short story written by Dorothy West that explores the theme of racial discrimination and the impact it has on individuals and society. The story is set in the early 20th century in a small town in the United States, where racial tensions are high and segregation is a way of life.
The story centers on a young African American woman named Rose, who works as a maid in the home of a wealthy white family. Despite her hard work and dedication, Rose is treated poorly by the family and is constantly subjected to racial slurs and mistreatment. Despite this, Rose tries to maintain a positive attitude and finds joy in small things, such as sitting in the sun parlor on her days off and dreaming about a better future for herself and her people.
One day, Rose's boss, Mrs. Prentice, invites her to attend a tea party at the Sun Parlor, a luxurious room in the house reserved for special occasions. Rose is thrilled at the opportunity and takes great care in preparing for the event, choosing her nicest dress and practicing her manners. However, when she arrives at the party, she finds that she is the only African American in attendance and is made to feel uncomfortable and out of place.
As the party goes on, Rose becomes increasingly aware of the racial divide that exists between her and the other guests. She is treated with disdain and disrespect by the white guests, who use derogatory language and make offensive comments about her and her race. Despite this, Rose remains dignified and graceful, determined to hold her head high and not let the prejudice of others get the best of her.
The Sun Parlor serves as a powerful allegory for the larger issue of racial discrimination and the ways in which it can marginalize and dehumanize those who are subjected to it. It highlights the importance of standing up for oneself and one's beliefs, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. At the same time, it also underscores the importance of empathy and understanding, and the need for people to come together and work towards a more just and equal society.
Overall, The Sun Parlor is a thought-provoking and poignant story that serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality in our world. Its message is as relevant today as it was when it was first written, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right and fighting against injustice wherever it may be found.
The Sun Parlor, By Dorothy West
Well, if you have, then I think you will relate to this short story by Dorothy West. C, August 6, 1995, p. Sometimes, Avi took us to places which were of amazement with me. The tribute included musical performances and readings from The Wedding and The Richer, The Poorer. As Noah reads to Allie their life flashes back to when they first met, as teenagers, where Allie spent her summers and follows them as couple through the ups and downs of their world win of a relationship.
The Sun Parlor By Dorothy West
The story is part of a short story collection, Personal Narrative: How People Learn Their Cultural Identity Who am I? Well then you might be a little surprised by how things unfurl in Helena Maria Viramontes' 1985 short story "The Moths," a story about a youthful Latina girl who feels at odds with pretty much everybody in her family except her cherished Abuelita. She is very ill and requires a lot of attention. The Sun Parlor By Dorothy West Mr. It depresses her because someone died there. The people just walked by like wind blowing in the breeze. Within this inner circle of "blue-vein society," we witness the prominent Coles family gather for the wedding of their loveliest daughter, Shelby, who could have chosen from "a whole area of eligible men of the right colors and the right professions. See eNotes Ad-Free Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.
The Sun Parlor Flashcards
XIII, November, 1995, p. To their owners, they're priceless. Discuss the use of nature in the art of telling the story. What points does the author make? The Weddingserves as a backdrop for the looming issues of race, interracial relationships, complexion, class, and an inherent sense of power and powerlessness. A wedding does not actually occur in the novel for Meade and Shelby, but other marriages do.
I Must Cherish The Time With Your Family : A Short Story
The children—Barby, Tina, and Muffin—voice their young views on motherhood. I believe you must cherish the time with your family! Desire in this world of have-nots is focused not merely on material pleasures—a penny candy, a lamb chop hidden at the back of a refrigerator, a winter coat bought at an August sale—but also on life ambitions tragically thwarted because of material poverty and racism, or because of poverty of character. Among the participants were Anita Hill, Jessye Norman and island residents Henry Louis Gates, Jr. The sleeping house and separation from the flock were unbearable. CCXLII, May 22, 1995, p. July 6, 1995, p. She did not know if she would ever get well.
