Skinner's Dress Suit

"Skinner's Dress Suit" by Henry Irving Dodge is a story set in the early 1900's that tells of Skinner, a regular worker dreaming of a better life. He works as a cashier and really wants a raise so he can give his wife the things she wants. The story looks at ideas such as how we see ourselves, what we want in life, and how much things like clothes can change how we feel. Skinner is really worried about asking his boss for more money, not because he’s scared of his boss, but because he’s scared of failing. He wants to be a hero to his wife, Honey, who always supports him. The story shows how he hesitates and thinks about their small savings and everything Honey has done for him. It all leads to Skinner trying to change his life by chasing after success and a higher social status, which he thinks he can get with a fancy dress suit.