--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: On-yez, where are you from, dear?' asked…" description: "\"“On-yez, where are you from, dear?' asked a black-slacked, frosted-haired woman whose skin was papery and melanomic with suntan. 'Originally.' She eyed..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e2/lorrie-moore-870_woman-black_on-yez-where-are-you-from-dear-asked-a-b_1801845.jpg" --- # On-yez, where are you from, dear?' asked a black-slacked… ![“On-yez, where are you from, dear?' asked a black-slacked, frosted-haired woman whose skin was papery and melanomic with suntan. 'Originally.' She eyed Agnes's outfit as if it might be what in fact it was: a couple of blue things purchased in a department store in Cedar Rapids. Where am I from?'…” quote by Lorrie Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e2/lorrie-moore-870_woman-black_on-yez-where-are-you-from-dear-asked-a-b_1801845.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e2/lorrie-moore-870_woman-black_on-yez-where-are-you-from-dear-asked-a-b_1801845.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e2/lorrie-moore-870_woman-black_on-yez-where-are-you-from-dear-asked-a-b_1801845.jpg) > ““On-yez, where are you from, dear?' asked a black-slacked, frosted-haired woman whose skin was papery and melanomic with suntan. 'Originally.' She eyed Agnes's outfit as if it might be what in fact it was: a couple of blue things purchased in a department store in Cedar Rapids. Where am I from?' Agnes said it softly. 'Iowa.' She had a tendency not to speak up. Where?' the woman scowled, bewildered. Iowa,' Agnes repeated loudly. The woman in black touched Agnes's wrist and leaned in confidentially. She moved her mouth in a concerned and exaggerated way, like an exercise. 'No, dear,' she said. 'Here we say O-hi-o.”” [Lorrie Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lorrie-moore/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A woman interrogates Agnes about her origins, exposing cultural assumptions and Agnes’s quiet self‑effacement. **In simple terms:** A woman asks where Agnes is from, highlighting cultural differences and Agnes’s shy nature. Key Takeaway Listen to subtle cues and respect personal boundaries. Themes identity communication culture silence power dynamics Mood thoughtful reflective Type literary dialogue When to use this quote - social gatherings - cross‑cultural encounters - personal introspection Key Concepts regional identity social expectation interpersonal dynamics Questions to Reflect On - How do we navigate questions that feel invasive? - What does silence reveal about power? A Different Perspective The dialogue may reinforce stereotypes about rural people. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [What she needs,' Tom said aloud 'is a husband.' Agnes said crisply, 'Well, she can't have mine.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ken-follett/what-she-needs-tom-said-aloud-is-a-husband-agnes-said-crisply-well/) [Ken Follett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ken-follett/) > [I asked her if I was black or white. She replied "You are a human being. 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