Summary Of My Own By Aimee Bender

Aimee Bender’s “An Invisible Sign of My Own” is a coming of age story, in which the protagonist (Mona) is forced to adapt to change, moreover, this theme of change is prevalent throughout the narrative. Through use of dialogue and simplistic diction, the author effectively contextualizes the premise of the narrative within the introduction; essentially, the story is about a nineteen year old woman who is encouraged to move away from home and become gain a sense of independence within her life. Throughout the narrative, we witness a shift in Mona’s character. Though initially, she “love[s]” her home, and is hesitant to the notion of moving away, by the end of the story, she “settle[s] in,” having found “purpose” in her new home. Bender’s use

Mona’s mother is characterized by her idealistic, whimsical nature, and her “warm[th];” while Mona looks to her mother for advice, her mother suggests she “decorate,” and “have a party.” Regardless of these qualities, Mona’s mother encourages her to strive for independence, stating the she is “too old” to live with her parents, quite literally forcing her out of the comfort of her own

Comparatively, her father’s worries make her “nervous” and fearful of change, clinging on to the comfort and familiarity provided to her by her former home. The author’s usage of first person narration allows us to visualize the internal conflict that exists between Mona wanting to accept this change, and her sheer hesitation at the thought of becoming and adult. Mona’s transition from a state of reluctance into a state of acceptance is paralleled by the setting. Initially, “the blank walls” of her new home are “white and empty,” once she is “all settled in,” each “drawer ha[s] a purpose.” Similarly, upon moving in to her new home, Mona feels a sense of emptiness and longing, as she misses her parent’s home; this sense of longing is most clearly signified through Mona’s repetitive “knock[ing] on the trunk” of a tree gifted to her by her