Essay Questions

Why does the narrator liken whiteness of skin to goodness?

In “Lessons from a Mirror,” the narrator explores—with great dejection, bitterness, and sorrow—the societal expectations for and respect toward individuals with white skin, versus individuals with black skin. She explains that our society, as a whole, idealizes whiteness and has intrinsically connected whiteness to a sense of goodness. She specifically mentions the fairytale story of Snow White, whose pale white skin is commonly associated with a sense of innocence and inherent goodness. She suggests that one is not viewed as good or innocent unless he or she has white skin. Implicit in this correlation is the widely-held belief that someone with dark skin is dirty, unclean, immoral, depraved. Therefore, the narrator likens whiteness to goodness because society has constructed a false sense of values and hierarchies, in which people with white skin are lauded with more praise and trust than any other individuals.

Why does the narrator of “One for All Newborns” suggest that some children will grow up to be thieves or murderers or worse?

In this rather cynical and bittersweet approach to the miracle of childbirth, Moss suggests that babies have infinite potential from the moment they are born. They are a completely blank canvass, one which is primed to be sculpted, shaped, and influenced. When we view infants or newborns, we wonder if they will be the one to find a cure for cancer or if they will become a marvelous inventor. Parents rarely, however, wonder if their children will grow up to be criminals, abusers, or thieves. And yet, despite the fact that babies are full of endless possibilities, some do become criminals and commit heinous acts of barbarity. The narrator is therefore pointing out the rather ironic assumption that all babies are innocent and are the vehicles of endless positive possibility. She points out that not all infants will grow up to represent goodness and innocence but will rather turn against the humanity that raised it and abused its potential.

What is the “adult nightmare” that Moss refers to in her titular poem of the same name—“Development of an Adult Nightmare”?

In this poem, Moss explores the fragility of parenthood and adulthood. She suggests that parenthood is not always beautiful; sometimes, it is utterly exhausting and disgraceful. As the narrator, Moss ponders what it would be like to give birth to children who are disrespectful and unkind and black at heart. She concludes that such an existence would be the true nightmare of adulthood—to have birthed and raised and loved humans who do not love or respect you back. The real irony, she points out, is the fact that mothers will still continue to love their children, no matter how many times or ways they are unkind, malicious, or disrespectful. To be trapped in this endless cycle of maternal guilt and love is the true adult nightmare.