PART. XI -Buttered Side Down

In “Sun Dried,” Mary Louise, an aspiring writer and former teacher from Escanaba, Michigan, grapples with the challenges of city life in New York and her quest to break into the magazine world. The chapter opens with a universal moment of realization for many women—the sudden need to wash their hair. This seemingly mundane act sets the stage for Mary Louise’s day as she temporarily abandons her struggling story, where her hero frustratingly remains lifeless, to attend to her personal care.

Amidst her routine, she finds herself combating the frustration of her hair washing ritual, notably hindered by the lack of a backyard—a luxury she reminisces about from her country living. Seeking solace and a makeshift solution, she ventures to the roof with parsley in hand, hoping to capture the essence of the pastoral life she misses. There, she encounters a cynical, collarless young man who disrupts her solitude and challenges her aspirations.

Their banter reveals Mary Louise’s journey; she left her teaching career and the familiar comforts of home fueled by a dream to write, armed only with her savings and determination. Despite her efforts and the harsh reality of rejection letters, her spirit remains unbroken, as she vows to persevere until her dream is realized.

The young man, initially dismissive, finds himself drawn into Mary Louise’s world, her straightforward charm, and the authenticity of her rural experiences. He advises her to draw inspiration from her roots and write about the simple, genuine moments of life, drastically different from the urban New York she struggles to grasp. His suggestion to focus on her strengths and the genuine simplicity of her past, coupled with his curious inquiry about her hair washing routine, leaves Mary Louise pondering the importance of maintaining her identity while adapting to her new environment.

This encounter, a blend of whimsy and realism, encapsulates the theme of the chapter: the clash between rural innocence and urban savvy, the persistence in the face of rejection, and the unexpected guidance that alters Mary Louise’s perspective on her work and offers a glimmer of hope for her aspirations in the bustling city.