Elsie’s Job

In “Dosas,” Elsie’s job symbolizes the tension between personal and professional responsibilities. When Elsie becomes preoccupied with the matter of Olivia’s supposed kidnapping, she becomes distracted from her duties as a home attendant. Mona eventually requests that the agency send someone other than Elsie.

Blaise's Scam

In “Dosas,” the scam that Blaise performs symbolizes betrayal and cruelty. After Elsie gives $5,000 to Blaise to help pay for Olivia’s ransom, she discovers that the kidnapping was fake and that Blaise and Olivia have moved back to Haiti. Elsie’s feels deeply hurt and betrayed, especially since she may have had lingering feelings of love for Blaise.

Father’s Death

In the story “In the Old Days,” the death of the narrator’s father symbolizes missed opportunities. After her father dies, the narrator is sad that she was never able to meet him or...