"The Closing Door" by Angelina Weld Grimké

I find this short story to be somewhat deceiving at first because it feels as though the story is about the generous nature of Agnes Milton. The first several pages the narrator speaks about her hardships in life and the generosity of Agnes; however, the ending is quite unexpected. The narrator was passed from relative to relative after her father's death (apparently due to alcohol poisoning), but Agnes was the only one kind enough to take her in and treat her like a daughter.
This story gives the reader a good slap into the realities of life for colored people, especially in the south. Agnes is a complex character who changes drastically by the end of the story. In the beginning Agnes seemed to be a kind hearted, gentle, playful woman. …