Student Question
In Annie John, why does Annie make Sonia suffer if she loves her?
Quick answer:
Annie makes Sonia suffer to explore her own identity and control over others. This behavior is typical of a coming-of-age story, where Annie, as a child, tests her ability to influence others' emotions. Her actions are not driven by a desire to harm Sonia but rather by a need to understand her place in the world. This exploration is part of Annie's journey toward self-discovery and establishing her own identity.
Annie John is a bildungsroman, a coming of age story. The narrator, Annie, is an adult who is explaining how she established her own identity. As all children do, the child Annie hit a point when she was testing the control she had over other people. Her desire to make Sonia suffer is a desire to test her own abilities to control the emotions of others. Annie doesn't do because she wants Sonia to hurt; she does it because she is trying to understand her own place in the world.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.