The Dancing Decent

The Dancing Decent 

Alec Davidson

Dr. Lucas

English 111 116

31 October 2019

All people have a realization point. A realization that the events that have gone on in their lives have formed them into the person that they are. Maybe it’s something traumatic, like a terrible accident or maybe it’s as simple as getting something that you love taken away from you. In chapter eight, Tiny Harlots, Tara Westover experiences her realization moment. It might not have been made clear but it is the beginning of the descent of the life that she has lived.

Chapter 8 is a very impactful period for Tara. In a desperate act to get away from her family, she goes to search for a job. The pure active her wanting to find a job at her age to get away from her life truly speaks volumes. She even went as far as to advertise at Myran’s store. Tara is able to find a job working for a gentleman named Randy. It’s important to acknowledge that Randy is an outsider. This has to influence her in some way even if it’s not explicit. However, this is not the focus. 

Through her relationship with Myran, she is able to begin dancing lessons. What does support of the dance instructors and her mother they’re able to get her the clothing she needs to start dancing.  Tara absolutely loved it. Even though she was the odd one out and no one truly talks to her this was the first thing that really spoke to her outside of her family. Tara said “I love being there with them. I love the sensation and conformity. Learning to dance felt like learning to belong”. (78) learning to belong, that is exactly what Tara is doing. For the first time and her life, she feels that she’s a part of something that she truly cares about and they care about her. The dance instructors even go as far as to change the costume for the recital so she can attend. Tara has never seen this level of care.

Sadly, this does not last. Tara and her mother have been keeping this from her father for obvious reasons. The truth inevitably does come out. Tara and her parents attend the recital. Despite Tara’s best efforts, her father is disgusted. Yelling and shouting about how it’s a sin and how they should have known better for the rest of the night. What truly impacts was her mother. Entering her room late that night and saying “I should have known better. I should have seen that class for what it was.” (81) The one person that’s supported, Tara and her decision to pursue this as a passion has just backed out on her. The implications of this are far-reaching. The mindset of Tara from this point forward has to have shifted. 

Tara has been exposed to the real world she now knows. Strangers Like The Dance instructors are more willing to support her than her own parents. Despite the positive end to this chapter with the singing lessons and her performance at the church. The events of chapter 8 will start the descent of her positive relations with her family.

Works Cited 

Westover, Tara. Educated. Thorpe, Charnwood, 2018.