Names

In "River of Names," the narrator can only remember the names and stories of some of her family members. She can tell the stories and recall the names of some of her family members, but she still only remembers them in moments of death and violence. Still, regardless of she can remember their names and stories or not, the narrator's relatives still wash down the "River of Names" -- they were struck down so young that they are only remembered for the way they died, if their names are remembered at all.

Union

In "Meanest Woman Ever Left Tennessee," Shirley Boatwright's daughter Mattiie wants to defy her cruel mother. While her mother is upset that Mattie flirts with a boy, the most significant symbol of their rift is Mattie's vow to join the trade union. Shirley believes that her good breeding and class will afford her...