Psychological and Emotional Issues

Psychological and emotional issues affect several of the central characters in the novel, and play a large part in the story. After the 'attack' in the parking lot, Angie has a difficult time dealing with things and finds that she is more comfortable sleeping and watching television than doing the things she enjoyed doing before. On two occasions when something upsets her, she suffers anxiety attacks during which she cannot breathe, and she is fragile and unsure of herself throughout much of the novel. It is only by forcing herself to conquer her emotional issues that she is able to find the courage to rescue her mother. Laura Favorite is profoundly afraid of Mrs. Bittner due to the psychological and emotional abuse she has suffered at her hands during the five years she has been held captive, and appears to Angie to be ready to...