One student argues the following about Packer’s story: “Packer’s main character is an unreliable narrator. As the psychologist suggests, she struggles with her own identity and isn’t honest with herself or anyone around her. Packer presents a character who is her own worst enemy, who suffers because she gets in her own way.

Text: “Drinking Coffee Elsewhere” by ZZ Packer
One student argues the following about Packer’s story: “Packer’s main character is an unreliable narrator. As the psychologist suggests, she struggles with her own identity and isn’t honest with herself or anyone around her. Packer presents a character who is her own worst enemy, who suffers because she gets in her own way. Dina has serious internal personality flaws; she deflects responsibility by blaming everyone else. But Packer is really critiquing Dina and her problems, not the world around her.” In an organized essay, assess the validity of the student’s claim. Is this a story about a character with personality problems or is Packer critiquing the society that surrounds Dina? Your response may be nuanced. Either way, discuss what Packer explores about identity and belonging in her portrayal of Dina and her experiences at Yale. Your essay must have a thesis and clear supporting arguments. Analyze evidence from the text to support your claims.
4-5 Pages
Due Feb 10th (Midnight)
See “Packer’s Story” here: https://docs.google.com/file/d/1iEWQq3kS8QSP0Gdn2dt_9lx4mWAaau9U/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=msword
Requirements: See above