Toni Morrison’s “The Work You Do, the Person You Are”

From The New Yorker's archive: the writer recounts one of her first paid jobs—domestic work for "Her," an unnamed woman in a wealthier neighborhood.  View in browser | Update your preferences On the Job The Work You Do, the Person You Are The pleasure of being necessary to my parents was profound. I was not like the children in folktales: burdensome mouths to feed. By Toni Morrison Toni Morrison knew how to work. In the course of her singular career, the Ohio-born writer produced eleven novels, nine children's books, and two plays. She composed poetry, essays, New Yorker articles—even a libretto. Collecting prizes became almost a vocation unto itself—the Nobel, for literature; a Pulitzer, for "Beloved"; a Presidential Medal of Freedom, to name just a few.    But Morrison was also acquainted with other kinds of labor. In "The Work You Do, the Person You Are," published in 2017, the writer recounts one of her first paid jobs: domestic work for "Her," an unnamed woman in a wealthier neighborhood. As the young Morrison settles into her role, her relationship with her employer changes, and so does her sense of herself. "Little by little, I got better at cleaning Her house—good enough to be given more to do, much more," she recalls. "I wanted to refuse, or at least to complain, but I was afraid She would fire me, and I would lose the freedom the dollar gave me, as well as the standing I had at home." A conversation between Morrison and her father proves helpful; his advice, passed down to us, is simple but profound. It clearly served his daughter well.   On this Labor Day weekend, we wish you peace, rest, and pleasant reading. More from the Archive Fiction "Sweetness" "With that skin, there was no point in being tough or sassy, even when you were right." By Toni Morrison Dispatches Making America White Again The choices made by white men, who are prepared to abandon their humanity out of fear of black men and women, suggest the true horror of lost status. By Toni Morrison More from The New Yorker Annals of Education The Rise and Fall of Vibes-Based Literacy Is a controversial curriculum, entrenched in New York City's public schools for two decades, finally coming undone? By Jessica Winter U.S. Journal A Brewery's Anti-Violence Mission, Complicated by a Killing TRU Colors attracted interest—and investment—by employing active gang members. But a double murder last summer has prompted criticism of its approach. By Charles Bethea You're receiving this e-mail because you signed up for the New Yorker Classics newsletter. Was this e-mail forwarded to you? Sign up.   Unsubscribe | Manage your e-mail preferences | Send newsletter feedback | View our privacy policy    The New Yorker may earn a portion of sales from products and services that are purchased through links in our newsletters as part of our affiliate partnerships with retailers.    Copyright © Condé Nast 2022. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.