Complexion, Prologue Summary

Richard notices how the complexion of his skin is viewed differently now than it has been in the past. Richard had a dark complexion. When he was younger, even his parents teased him that he looked like a black boy or poor Mexican man, working with his arms. When Richard gets older, people start to ask him questions about his complexion that suggest he is wealthy and living a life of luxury. The complexion of his skin is something desired by people, who spend days in the sun to tan.

Complexion, Prologue Analysis

Richard is conscious of his complexion. He lives in a world that recognizes complexion and places a value on it.