Part 2, Personals: On Going Home Summary and Analysis

Didion goes home to celebrate her daughter's first birthday with her family. Didion's husband does not like it when she goes home because she reverts to her family's ways rather than his. Didion's family does not accept her husband, either, referring to him as 'Joan's husband' instead of his name. During these visits, Didion feels trapped between her family and her husband, wanting to please both but unable to find neutral ground. However, Didion does not want to stop these visits home because she feels it is important to have extended family around her daughter.

The theme of this essay appears to be about the importance of extended family when raising a child. Didion goes home because she is close to her family and enjoys being near them. However, Didion's husband does not...