Dave Pelzer's The New Dress

“No,” is such an easy thing to say. Ignorant, is such an easy thing to be. Unfortunately, the simplicity of taking these actions does not quite mirror the effect they have on the person receiving them. Many reliable sources are able to support this, including the autobiographical memoir by Dave Pelzer; a memoir that describes his life as an abused and isolated child. Without a doubt, it can be repeatedly seen through a series of accounts how conflicts dealing with acceptance lead to further changes in one’s life. Through the trials he faced with his mother, Dave Pelzer led a very challenging life; he was always attempting to be normal when he was anything but. Confidence is the ability to be proud and appreciative of oneself for who they are.

In the story, “The New Dress” insecurity is a key component to the character’s ( Mabel’s) conflict. As depicted by the narrator in paragraph two, “Mabel had her first serious suspicion that something was wrong as she took her cloak off…”(March para. 2). She was referring to her dress. The cause of Mabel’s insecurity with her dress may be inferred through the narrator’s statement earlier in paragraph two, “...ever since she was a child, of being inferior to other people…”(March para. 2). Even in adulthood, Mabel still carried the insecurity she had as a child due to her being of a lower class. She was denied acceptance into being of higher status and thus, of higher importance. Mabel’s treatment and experiences as a child cautioned her to stay in the shadows as an adult. When she removed her cloak and revealed her dress, she realized how striking it actually was and became unsettled. As the night progressed, Mabel’s instability became more evident as seen in the text, “Neither can she accept a compliment. Mabel’s entire stay at the party consists of her encountering other partygoers whose compliments she either dismisses as lies or whom she secretly chastises for failing to compliment her”(March para. 4). Mabel feels that she is so low, and incompetent, that she relentlessly tries to find flaws in others, whether believing the flaw is lying to her about her appearance or failing to compliment her; either

In Dave Pelzer’s autobiography, he endured all stages of rejection, which led him to become stronger than he ever anticipated. It is easy to forget the impact that excluding a person has on his or her mental health. Some people may feel the only importance they possess is when they have others with them. It is important to acknowledge those who stand in the shadows and are different. Things like offering a smile and making eye contact are simple gestures that can have a profound and positive impact that could change their whole day and possibly