Discussion

The final part of your task asks you to discuss how children relate to their parents as they grow older. You are also invited to relate your discussion to the story “Dancing to Nat King Cole” by James Wall.

The parent-child dynamic in the story is a traditional one. As Katherine does not want to upset Rebecca or burden her with her troubles, she hides a great deal of the truth from her. Despite this, Rebecca is still aware that her mother does not have it easy and she tries her best to help her, either by joking with her, cleaning, or making the beds.

The short story shows that Rebecca, although she is helpful and has good intentions, does not know the depth of the problem. She finds it easy to relate to her parents because she does not live with them and does not know the real issues that K...