Summary Of Drinking Coffee Elsewhere By Zz Packer

Racism has been an issue for years. In the past, African Americans have suffered through slavery, prejudice, and constant judgement. Racism has made them feel not equal and these issues are expressed in Drinking Coffee Elsewhere by ZZ Packer. Packer wrote this short story in 2003. Some other works by Packer that she is known for are Brownies and Gideon. This short story is about an African American who does not fit into society trying to find herself. She met a Heidi who flipped her world around and made her realize stuff about her that she never knew before. Packer uses her language to show Dina as a socially isolated character, Heidi as an insecure but accepting character, and Dr. Raeburn as a wise and helpful character. Throughout the story

Packer describes the character talking as “Dina performs poorly in her classes and remains socially isolated, secluding herself in her single dorm” (Constantakis). The author seems to be suggesting that Dina is secluding herself from others to not feel discriminated due to her race. Secluding herself from others makes it easier for Dina to feel equal and to not feel left out due to factors that she cannot change. Packer’s addition of “The way to feel better, I said, is to get some ramen and lock yourself in your room” (Packer). Dina is a lonely person, and she prefers it that way. Dina tried to ignore Heidi, but after a while Heidi brought her out of her shell and after a while Dina went back to being socially isolated. The author seems to be exploring the idea of race and sexuality throughout the whole story. Dina feels held back by her race and does not want to understand her sexuality. Heidi is the opposite of Dina and is more accepting of her sexuality and does not care about hiding it. Dina is a socially isolated character due to her race and

Raeburn as a wise and helpful character. Packer described Dr. Raeburn by “Dr. Raeburn is the school psychiatrist with whom Dina has her mandatory therapy sessions with” (May). Dr. Raeburn was the only character, besides Heidi, who understood Dina. In the first few sessions, Dr. Raeburn did not come off as helpful but as the sessions continued he knew Dina more and more. “A revolver? Dr. Raeburn said, flipping through a manila folder. He looked up at me as to ask another question but he didn’t” (Packer). Dr. Raeburn helped Dina develop as a character throughout the story. Even though, Dina did not care for the therapy sessions, even she admits that Dr. Raeburn was a helpful person. Dr. Raeburn listened closely and gave her advice and did not say hurtful things like others have. The author seems to be exploring the theme of race and sexuality throughout the story by Dr. Raeburn helping Dina find herself. Dr. Raeburn never sugar coated his opinions and was very wise with his input to