At one point in the book, Eunice and Polly discuss whether race or class shaped their hardships more profoundly. Did you better understand each woman’s perspective after this conversation? Did it shift your own view of race and class?
Both women had strong views on this issue and I felt they did come to understand each other better after this conversation. Eunice better appreciated her middle class upbringing after learning about Polly’s shocking and sad experiences after being sent out to raise money for the family at the age of 12. Eunice capped the conversation by stating Polly could change people’s view of her but Eunice could not change the color of her skin. However, Polly would have to move far away, change her appearance somewhat, and hope that she never ran in to someone from her past who would “out her” to her new community. Neither has the perfect life, but both are doing the best they can.
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This was a very thought provoking discussion. I think they both had struggles but Eunice’s response that she can’t change the color of her skin and so will always face discrimination shut the conversation down in my opinion.
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Both of these women have faced a struggle to get to where they are. Each struggle was unique, but equally difficult for them. Race, class and being female create difficult hurdles to overcome to become successful. It was true in 1936 and sadly still true today.
Their conversation was enlightening and helped each other understand the issues, which were very different for both of them. But, Eunice’s point about not being able to change the color of her skin really nailed it.
This was an interesting discussion between the women. I ageee with the others that since Eunice couldn’t change the color of her skin she was always facing a bigger hurdle. What I especially liked about their conversation was that they began to really understand one another as women, as unique individuals, they truly listened to each other and bared their souls. It was one of my favorite parts of the book.
That conversation was my favorite part of the book. I appreciated the ‘back and forth’ as they engaged in explaining their own circumstances and seeing each other’s perspectives on which one was easier or harder. Eunice drove her point home for me when she explained that Polly could rise above and change things for herself, but Eunice cannot change her skin color.
They both had victim points on their side.
Clearly Eunice had the education that Polly lacked and Polly believed, probably rightly, that if she’d had that opportunity, she could have achieved as much or more “legitimate” success as Eunice.
Eunice was discriminated against due to both sex and race, and felt that while Polly could - if she really wanted to - go legit and succeed - she, Eunice could never shed her skin color.
I loved this part of the book! Not only did it seem to change each character’s view of the other, but it asked readers to reconsider the impressions we had of each woman. While Eunice’s career is unquestionably deserving of praise, I did find myself rooting for Polly to survive and be able to get back on her feet financially even though that was through prostitution. It was strange to be rooting for a madam.
Both race and class shaped their hardships. While Polly shared her story, Eunice wanted her to know that her past is her past. Eunice is and always will be a different race that results in her not being treated equally, as well as also being a woman. The time in which this book was set, I believe all of the issues mentioned in the novel were accurate.
That section of the book summarized their perspectives, but did nothing ot shift my view. Because, ultimately, Eunice correctly stated that while both of them could work to improve their circumstances, she reminded Polly, “I cannot change the color of my skin.” And that is really the bottom line. Immutable characteristics are protected in civil rights statutes because they are not susceptible to change. They include race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, and disability.