Abstract
The short stories, The Red Dress by Alice Munro and Raymond's Run by Toni Cade Bambara, explore the effect that self-constructs have upon one's identity. In each of the short stories, characters' actions and lives are defined by their images alone, and they are often criticized for leaving the confines of their image. These images are societal stereotypes that the characters self-identify as, which then control the character's attitudes, behaviours, and beliefs. This theme of restrictive self-images is shown through the characters, the character development, and the symbolism of The Red Dress and Raymond's Run. These short stories argue that all people are limited and defined by their societal character, which then defines their identities.
