The First Day By Edward P Jones

In Edward P. Jones’ short story “The First Day,” the narrator intricately reveals the complexity of the mother through a combination of detail, dialogue, and tone. The story, which showcases the mother’s determination and vulnerability, effectively uses literary elements to elucidate her character. Through the narrator’s observations and interactions, the reader gains insight into the mother’s strength, anxiety, and deep love for her child. The selection of detail is crucial as it demonstrates the mother’s character. For example, the narrator describes how the mother dresses her daughter meticulously, “I am wearing a checkered-like blue-and green cotton dress.[and] yellow socks trimmed with thin lines of black and white around the tops” (Jones,