Essay Database

Essay #2 Dominique and Her Determination for Identity “Dominique” is a compelling essay that takes the clichés “the clothes don’t make the man,” “you can’t judge a book by its cover,” and “you only get one chance to make a first impression” to a new perspective. Lisa Hay, author of “Dominique,” recognizes a young girl’s struggle to create a life for herself by dressing and acting out different roles. By doing this, …

…Dominique to adapt and make a place for herself. Unfortunately, the reader is never able to witness Dominique achieve a level of self-awareness. (Even though we can recognize an inner strength when she decides to leave her abusive husband.) Collectively, the disparities developed throughout the essay create a character with several opposing personality traits. The differences in physical and behavioral patterns allow the reader to be introduced to the diverse aspects of Dominique’s life.