Importance of Willa’s Mother

Willa’s mother represents aggression and abuse. Her anger toward her children and her husband, followed by begging for forgiveness or ignoring what she did had a profound effect on her children. She represents everything Willa and Elaine do not want to become. She also inadvertently shapes her children’s personalities by ignoring their feelings toward her and her actions. Willa’s mother focuses entirely on herself, unaware or uncaring of the people she hurts on the way.