What is the symbolism of Mukamana's stories in the book, The Girl Who Smiled Beads?

The stories Clemantine's nanny, Mukamana, tells her as a child symbolize agency. Mukamana's tales are not merely sources of entertainment. Rather, they help Clemantine make sense out of her world. No matter the story she tells, Mukamana always lets Clemantine decide what happens next, inventing new plot lines and endings each time. This mode of storytelling lets Clemantine feel in control of the narrative, even when she cannot control or understand her own life.