“Dominique” is a compelling essay that takes the cliches “the clothes don’t make the man,” “you can’t judge a book by its cover,” and “you only get one chance to make a first impression” to a new perspective. Lisa Hay, author of “Dominique,” recognizes a young girl’s struggle to create a life for herself by dressing and acting out different roles. By doing this, Dominique is living up to the cliches that people--- usually--- try so hard to avoid.

The initial role Dominique introduces us to, is that of a stripper. “Dominique, in baby-blue spiked heels and lavender fabric wrapped around her like a ribbon, gets a two-handed hoist from another dancer.” It’s intriguing that her clothes are described with such detail. Dominique’s provocative dance move is almost nothing compared to her outfit. This is a powerful example of Dominique dressing the part in order to create a sense of identity and lifestyle for herself. She would hardly be

However, this is a struggle for Dominique. She’s young, alone, and scared. Granted, you would hardly believe this about her after the description you were just provided, but again, “appearances can be deceiving.”

The contrasts illustrate the attempt of Dominique to adapt and make a place for herself. Unfortunately, the reader is never able to witness Dominique achieve a level of self-awareness. (Even though we can recognize an inner strength when she decides to leave her abusive husband.)

Collectively, the disparities developed throughout the essay create a character with several opposing personality traits. The differences in physical and behavioral patterns allow the reader to be introduced to the diverse aspects of Dominique’s life.

The entire essay is a struggle for Dominique--- an endless battle between truth, survival, and identity. Even up until she boards the plane for New York, she lies about her perspective careers, decides she needs to leave a man who is evidently beating her, and has trouble resisting the urge for six shots of Cuervo and then carri

Some common words found in the essay are:
Dominique She’s, Cuervo Gold, Lisa Hay, Determination Identity, , allow reader, blood red, belongs fits, spiked heels, role dominique, decides leave, reader introduced, red lipstick,
Approximate Word count = 746
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)