Final answer:
The story of Dumas's name change allows her to make points about her family and Americans while proving the assertion that simplifying one's life can lead to long-term complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The story of Dumas's decision to change her name allows her to make points about both her own family and Americans. By choosing to change her name, Dumas is expressing her desire to embrace her cultural identity and distance herself from the limitations imposed by her racial identity. This decision illustrates the complexities of family dynamics and identity, as it can create tensions and conflicts. It also proves the assertion that sometimes simplifying one's life in the short run only complicates it in the long run. By simplifying her life through a name change, Dumas encounters long-term complications such as alienation from her family and the need to navigate multiple identities.