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A Successful Figure In J. D. Vance's Hillbilly Elegy

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Common Reading Assignment Throughout J.D. Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy, he recalls certain times throughout his life where he suffered severe times of hardship. Throughout his memoir, he calls to mind the both the good and bad experiences he experienced growing up and how they have turned him into the person he grew to be today. Along with that, he mentions both friends and family who continuously pulled him down and others who pushed him to be his best. Without his surroundings and circumstances, J.D. may not have grown into the successful figure that he is today. While J.D. grew up in significantly different circumstances than what I did, I believe I can relate to his relationship with his grandmother. While I did not have drug, alcohol, or financial trouble throughout my childhood my mother …show more content…

From about twelve to sixteen years old I did not get along with my mom no matter what the circumstances and this led me to run to my grandma for a safe place after arguments. While J.D. had to escape his mother because of abusive actions I just had to escape for peace of mind. My grandma and I had become very close over the years and I trusted her more than anyone else in my life. She was always there to help me and make sure I was on the right path. She makes sure that I try in school and strive for good grades and push myself as far as I can to be successful. Along with that she sympathized with my feelings for my mother instead of instantly supporting her side which as a stubborn child, made a big difference. Without the support of my grandma my views on life and an education would be much different than what they are now. In J.D. Vance’s perspective his mamaw’s house was a safe place. It was a safe place where he could escape from drugs, alcohol, abuse, and the constant rotation of new men in her life. His mother was the true definition of a hillbilly and not work to get out of the never ending cycles of drugs and alcohol. His mamaw continued to show

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