An Analysis Of Drop By Drop By Vivian Vande Velde

Brenda’s Illegal Coping Mechanism Underage drinking is a critical issue which can lead to severe consequences. These consequences have the potential to haunt someone throughout his or her life and lead to an unfortunate outcome for everyone involved. It is not uncommon that those in stressful circumstances turn to drinking as a therapeutic solution to their problems. Although many may think alcohol is a remedy to the everyday stressors of life, the results of actions taken while under the influence can be detrimental. In Brenda’s life, these everyday stressors include the relationship with her mother and the movement of her family to Westport, New York. In Vivian Vande Velde’s “Drop by Drop,” the adversity within Brenda’s family dynamic contributes

The relationship between Brenda and alcohol is quickly grasped, as she is experiencing a hangover at the beginning of the story. When Brenda tells her mother, “I have a headache and I think I’m getting car sick,” she tries to blame the car ride for her nausea, even though she knows the truth behind her physical condition (Vande Velde 5). Because even though Brenda shares her alcoholic tendencies as the narrator, she hides them from those within her family. Brenda’s affiliation with alcohol is further unraveled as she reveals, “sometimes my parents let me have half a glass of wine with dinner” (Vande Velde 31). This type of behavior from her parents helps Brenda to condone and minimize the problem of her underage drinking. This is irresponsible of Brenda’s parents and affects her outlook on the seriousness of alcohol use. Once home alone Brenda takes a bath with her “wine on the edge of the tub” and states that she feels, “savvy and downright sophisticated” (Vande Velde 32). This feeling of sophistication that Brenda derives from the wine only stimulates her urge to drink even more. The full extent of Brenda’s problem is clearly perceived when her mother discovers her fake ID. Disappointed in her daughter, Brenda’s mom starts, “crying, soundlessly, tears pouring down her cheeks” (Vande Velde 58). This discovery of her fake ID is another obstacle propelling Brenda and her mother apart as Brenda dissatisfies her parents yet