The Dress

This study guide will help you analyze the short story “The Dress” by Julia Darling. You can also find a summary of the text, as well as inspiration for interpreting it and putting it into perspective.

Presentation of the text

Title: “The Dress” (2006)
Author: Julia Darling
Genre: Short story

Julia Darling (1956-2005) was an English poet, novelist, and dramatist. Over her career, Darling wrote more than 50 stories, most of which explore the complex relationship between mothers and daughters, and between sisters or friends.

Excerpt

Below, you can read an excerpt from our study guide:

Symbols

Several symbols help readers understand the dynamics between the characters. The most important symbol in the story is the dress that Flora borrows without asking for Rachel’s permission. When she wears the dress, Flora feels like Rachel: “It made her feel taller, braver, cleverer, and Rachel was all those things already”. The dress is a symbol of confidence and elegance and makes Flora feel glad that she is at the center of Alberto’s attention. By stealing the dress from Rachel, Flora symbolically steals all the qualities that she envies in her sister.

Although she feels the dress is important to her, Flora ...