Eyes and Teeth

         "Eyes and Teeth" is a short story about race, family, and appearance. It took place during the time of World War 1, which was a time where there were many racist and racially discriminating people. This is a short story that will make you feel sorry for the main character but proud at the end.
          In the beginning of the story Buzz, the main character, and his family go to visit their family in California for a little gt together with his aunt and cousins. While there, him and his cousin play a lot, and they get along very well. Towards the middle of the story, Buzz and his cousin are playing together while their moms are talking in the kitchen, until something catches their attention. They over hear their moms saying that Buzz is ugly because he's so dark. At that minute his facial expression changed and all you can see was hurt and sorrow. "Me and Buzz were staring at each other, our mouths and eyes as open as can be. And I saw hurt, pain, and hate flood his face all at once" page 214. This quote shows how the words that his mother used to describe him hurt him and made him feel so sad. At the  end of the story his mom dies 20 years later. After all those years of feeling hurt, he manages to put it behind and be happy. He shows up at the funeral with a wife, car, and beautiful children.
          This story was very shocking at the middle to know that a mother would dislike her own child based on his race and appearance. But the turning point, which is at the end of the story, shows you how Buzz got through the hurt and turned out better than everyone expected. This is a great short story that really lets you in on the World War 1 perspectives and life.