New York Day Women Summary

"New York Day Women" by Edwidge Danticat is a short story that focuses on the relationship between a mother and daughter living in New York City. The story explores themes of motherhood, immigration, and cultural identity. The protagonist, Suzette, is a young woman who struggles to balance her Haitian heritage with her American upbringing. She is torn between the expectations of her mother, who clings to traditional Haitian customs, and her own desire for independence and assimilation into American society.

The story opens with Suzette's mother, who is referred to as "Ma," preparing for her daughter's upcoming wedding. Ma is determined to uphold Haitian traditions and rituals, such as wearing black on her daughter's wedding day to ward off evil spirits. Suzette, on the other hand, is more concerned with fitting in with her American peers and wants to wear a white dress like any other bride. This conflict sets the stage for the rest of the story, as Suzette tries to navigate the cultural divide between her mother's expectations and her own desires.

Throughout the story, Danticat uses flashbacks to provide insight into Suzette's upbringing and the complex relationship she has with her mother. We learn that Suzette's father died when she was young, leaving Ma to raise her as a single mother. Ma is strict and traditional, instilling in her daughter the importance of family, faith, and cultural heritage. Suzette, however, feels stifled by her mother's expectations and longs for the freedom to make her own choices.

As the wedding day approaches, tensions between Suzette and Ma reach a boiling point. Suzette struggles to reconcile her desire for independence with her love and respect for her mother. She grapples with feelings of guilt and obligation, torn between honoring her mother's wishes and asserting her own autonomy. In the end, Suzette decides to compromise, wearing a white dress for the ceremony but changing into a black dress for the reception to appease her mother.

The story ends with a poignant moment between mother and daughter, as Ma reveals the true reason behind her insistence on wearing black. She explains that she wants to protect Suzette from the pain and loss that she herself has experienced. This revelation deepens Suzette's understanding of her mother and strengthens their bond, bridging the gap between their generations and cultures.

"New York Day Women" is a powerful exploration of the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, immigrant experiences, and cultural identity. Danticat's evocative prose and nuanced characterization bring to life the struggles and triumphs of Suzette and Ma as they navigate the challenges of living between two worlds. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of heritage, tradition, and family in shaping our identities and relationships, and the enduring power of love to overcome even the deepest divides.