Dominique and Her Determination for Identity
             “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 a successful dancer if she were dressed in overalls.
             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.”
             In paragraph five of the essay, the reader is introduced to a different Dominique. She has just returned to the club to announce that she has recently been married. However, this newly married Dominique, has an entirely different costume on. “Her makeup is lighter when she comes back. Her lipstick is frosted pink instead of blood red. She sits on her stool with a straight back.”
             These contrasts between the old and new Dominique represent her inner struggle to fit the role in which she finds herself. A new mother would hardly find
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