Characters
This character is described as masculine and does men's work.
Mama in Everyday Use
Setting takes places in the South where one of the daughters returns home.
Everyday Use
Generational trauma prevails in this story about a Native American Family
The couple is recovering from the loss of their child, and their marriage is unraveling...
A Temporary Matter
This character was burned in a fire allegedly caused by her sister.
Maggie.
Setting is in San Francisco in a Chinese neighborhood
"Rules of the Game" or "Two Kinds"
This story shows a struggle of identity, becoming American on the mainland, as the author discusses food, language as an adult.
Hers
The main conflict is the terror a husband bestows on his wife and how she toils daily to overcome him.
Sweat
These characters have a loveless relationship but are bound by tradition, time. Eventually their marriage ends in death.
Sykes and Delia
Setting is on the border in a detention camp
"Everything is Far From Here"
Here are the themes in this work:
Patriarchy-favoring males/sons
Language identity-losing communication, cultural tradition
Generational trauma between grandparents and grandchildren
Ribbons
In this conflict, a daughter struggles with her Puerto Rican family, particularly her mother's expectations. She hasn't seen her mother in years when this takes place.
Hers
These characters loved each other, but a tragic loss causes them to drift apart and truth comes to light.
Shoba and Shukumar
Light and Darkness are important in this story. When the lights go out, the truth is told.
This work explores:
border politics
colonization of women's bodies
destruction of families
detachment of mother/mother country
Everything is Far From Here
Two of the struggles in this story could be bullying and belonging.
Brownies
This character is the narrator and struggles with bullying from her peers to confront and address alleged a racism at camp.
Snot/Laurel
This setting takes place at a mall where the kids go shopping
The Lesson
This story explores confidence, economics, and identity around clothing.
Name two themes in many of the stories.
Generational trauma
Individuality/allegiance to family-collective culture