"Dusting" by Julia Alvarez

Julia Alvarez's short story, "Dusting," delves into the intricate dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship through the symbolism of dusting. This essay aims to explore how the act of dusting in the story represents the erasure of cultural identity, the strained relationship between the mother and daughter, and the conflict between tradition and modernity. Through this exploration, Alvarez reveals the underlying themes of cultural assimilation and the struggle for identity.

Symbolism of Dusting

At its core, dusting serves as a metaphor for the erasure of cultural identity and the assimilation process. In "Dusting," the mother meticulously dusts the remembrances of her homeland, removing any trace of the past in an effort to assimilate into the new culture. This act reflects the larger immigrant experience of trying to fit into a new society by shedding one's old customs and traditions. Alvarez uses dusting to symbolize the surrender of one's cultural heritage in exchange for acceptance and belonging.

Strained Mother-Daughter Relationship

The act of dusting also highlights the lack of understanding and communication between the mother and daughter. The daughter, who strives to maintain a connection with her roots, is met with resistance from her mother, who sees dusting as a necessary step in adaptation. Through this conflict, Alvarez portrays the communication gap that often exists between generations and the difficulty of reconciling differing cultural perspectives within a family.

Conflict Between Tradition and Modernity

"Dusting" further explores the tension between tradition and modernity through the act of dusting. The mother's insistence on keeping a clean and tidy house, devoid of any reminders of the past, represents the struggle to uphold ancestral customs while embracing contemporary lifestyles. This conflict highlights the challenges that arise when trying to honor cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world, and the difficulty of navigating between tradition and progress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Dusting" by Julia Alvarez delves into the complexity of the mother-daughter relationship and the struggle for cultural identity through the symbolism of dusting. The act of dusting represents the erasure of cultural heritage and the assimilation process, as well as the strained dynamics and communication breakdown between the mother and daughter. Additionally, it symbolizes the conflict between tradition and modernity, adding layers of depth to the story. Through this exploration, Alvarez sheds light on the themes of cultural assimilation and the search for identity within the context of a mother-daughter relationship.

References

1. Alvarez, J. (1996). Dusting. In Something to Declare. Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Books.
2. Literature Online. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.literatureonline.com/
3. Wong, H. (2008). Traversing the Literate. Modern Fiction Studies, 54(3), 652-685.