Relationships in 'Silver Sparrow' by Tayari Jones . Jones depicts the complicated world of Dana Yarboro, the secret daughter, her father's attempts to hide her from the prying eyes of the world, and her refusal to stay hidden. While Chaurisse Witherspoon, the public girl that James proudly presents to the world, enjoys the luxuries of suburban life. Throughout the novel's character Jones, Dana tries to reconcile how she can be part of her father's family, but not really be a part of his life. As Chaurisse moves through the world with blissful ignorance of the secret life within him, part of the inspiration for Dana came from Jones' desire to know his sisters from his father's previous marriage, stating in an interview: “I always felt I had a sister just beyond my reach” (Norris). In the world Jones has created for Dana, she is well aware of the other family, of the privilege they receive as their rightful family. Dana is not only denied a relationship with her father and sister, but also educational opportunities due to the possibility that Chaurisse might attend the same event. Hidden in the shadow of her sister Chaurisse, Dana longs to know her sister, to maintain a relationship with her father and to be recognized as his child. Early in the novel, Jones clearly lays out Dana's living conditions when, in a conversation with his father, he states: "What happens in my life, in my world, has nothing to do with you...Dana, It’s you who’s a secret.” (p. 8-9) The absence of a loving father figure in Dana's life motivates her desire to be recognized by men. Jones depicts this acceptance of his role in life through a series of boyfriends who ultimately choose one, who, much like his father, wants to keep their relationship a secret. Dana's relationship with her mother is much more like that of sisters than a mother-daughter relationship, each woman feeling abandoned by her father who turns to each other in times of need. The brotherly

Essay / Relationships in 'Silver Sparrow' by Tayari Jones . Jones depicts the complicated world of Dana Yarboro, the secret daughter, her father's attempts to hide her from the prying eyes of the world, and her refusal to stay hidden. While Chaurisse Witherspoon, the public girl that James proudly presents to the world, enjoys the luxuries of suburban life. Throughout the novel's character Jones, Dana tries to reconcile how she can be part of her father's family, but not really be a part of his life. As Chaurisse moves through the world with blissful ignorance of the secret life within him, part of the inspiration for Dana came from Jones' desire to know his sisters from his father's previous marriage, stating in an interview: “I always felt I had a sister just beyond my reach” (Norris). In the world Jones has created for Dana, she is well aware of the other family, of the privilege they receive as their rightful family. Dana is not only denied a relationship with her father and sister, but also educational opportunities due to the possibility that Chaurisse might attend the same event. Hidden in the shadow of her sister Chaurisse, Dana longs to know her sister, to maintain a relationship with her father and to be recognized as his child. Early in the novel, Jones clearly lays out Dana's living conditions when, in a conversation with his father, he states: "What happens in my life, in my world, has nothing to do with you...Dana, It’s you who’s a secret.” (p. 8-9) The absence of a loving father figure in Dana's life motivates her desire to be recognized by men. Jones depicts this acceptance of his role in life through a series of boyfriends who ultimately choose one, who, much like his father, wants to keep their relationship a secret. Dana's relationship with her mother is much more like that of sisters than a mother-daughter relationship, each woman feeling abandoned by her father who turns to each other in times of need. The brotherly

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