In the essay, The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream, Barbara first discusses how poverty is almost become common and how people who are hardworking and even well educated still have to face this struggle. She talks about her own personal story and how she had to handle being unemployed. Unemployment rates seem to increase daily and it is a constant struggle for anyone. It not only affects the basic standard needs of living but one's pride as well. In the essay, Everything That Rises Must Converge, is about a woman who once was considered wealthy to then becoming poor. She had to adapt to not having the same luxuries or live in the same house and have the same lifestyle. This change, changed her. She wanted to continue to feel as if she was better and above everyone else although she was now in the same economic state as most of the people she encountered.