Moral Obligation

Antonia’s character arc is frequently shaped by a feeling of emotional obligation to other people, and while the narrative does highlight the value of altruism, it also explores the personal toll that such obligations may take. For example, as Izzy’s sister, Antonia feels a sense of urgent obligation to help locate Izzy after she goes missing. Antonia’s other sister—Tilly and Mona—feel the same sense of obligation: “The world is crazy. And their sister Izzy has lost her way in it, and they, the sisters, must intervene, get her back on track” (71). The novel commends the sisters’ efforts, but Antonia often feels overwhelmed by the sense of burden created by the need to help keep Izzy safe. Thus, Antonia sometimes finds excuses to shift more of the burden to Tilly and Mona. While the novel does not necessarily condone such actions...