Tuesday Siest Tension Between Poverty And Dignity

Poverty and Dignity:

The implied theme of the tension between poverty and dignity in Tuesday Siesta, One passage that stood out to me is when the Mother said “If you feel like doing anything, do it now,” said the woman. “Later, don’t take a drink anywhere even if you’re dying of thirst. Above all, no crying.” I perceived this as though the Mother has a strong sense of self dignity, and also is very reticent. She was telling her daughter to not let anyone see her sorrow or her simple need to quench her thirst as it might make onlookers distinguish them as a lower class or appear vulnerable. When she told the Father that she was the Mother of the man that had been murdered the passage “The priest Scrutinized her. She stared at him with quiet self-control, and the Father blushed” I felt as though if she had looked away or did not maintain eye contact that she felt the Father would have judged her based on factors that are non substantial, the way she presumed he was judging her son prematurely. Lastly the passage “You’d better go out by the door to the patio,” said the Father. “Thank you,” replied the woman.
“We’re all right this way.
She took the girl by the hand and went into the street.” The Mother shows such dignity and courage to go out the front door even though she knows that the towns people have come to the streets to oppress her and possible discriminate against her and her daughter for mourning the man they
all assumed was a thief.

My interpretation of the passage “They were both in severe and poor mourning clothes.” The author is clearly stating that they are mourning and poverty-stricken. The wording of severe and poor left me with the feeling that the Mother and Daughter were impecunious. The passage “They were the only passengers in the lone third-class car.” Also gave clear indication that they were of third class other wise they wouldn’t be sitting in a third class car. Also that passage for me indicated the time period as its a very old fashion way of thinking and stating “third class” is a very antiquated term. The passage “The girl unhooked the buckle of her left shoe, slipped her heel out of it, and rested it on the bench rail. She did the same with the right one.” This passage is the second time the girl has removed her shoes which made me feel like she was not accustom to wearing them, or that they might have been to small for her feet. The first time it was mentioned it seemed insignificant then it was mentioned a second time and it seems rational to presume the shoes were not comfortable for her.

“She bore the conscientious serenity of someone accustomed to poverty.” This passage I interpreted as yes she was poverty stricken, but she was not lowly. This passage “Comb your hair,” she said.” confirmed for me that the Mother did have a very high ethics and dignity as she wanted her daughter to look her best and presentable. The last passage of the story “Thank you,” replied the woman. “We’re all right this way.” Her actions can not be disputed she did have dignity and self worth she refused to sneak out the side door, she left with her head high and was not ashamed to mourn her son even if the towns people looked down on her it was her boy and she loved him.

To conclude my thought is be who you are circumstance will not define you self-respect is of great character and great character can only come from the ones who have self-respect I believe the Mother in the story portrayed it well.