The central conflict in Annie's story revolves around her journey to define her own identity. This identity is symbolically tied to the story of the trunk—she will fully embrace her identity when she leaves with it. This struggle involves emotional ups and downs, rebellious adventures, the awakening of her sexuality, and facing historical truths. The focus of this struggle, and partly its trigger, is her mother. The tension between mother and daughter is at the heart of the narrative. Even though Annie triumphs in her quest for identity, becoming a woman who resembles her mother, no true reconciliation takes place. Annie's identity, symbolized by the trunk, represents the death of her former self and a loss of her mother.

In Annie's childhood, life is depicted as a paradise where she and her mother are inseparable, and joy is abundant. This blissful existence crumbles when her mother announces their separation. The demand for Annie to suddenly create her own identity and independence is a crucial turning point in the story. This moment is illustrated in Chapter 2, where the main imagery involves her parents' intimacy, especially her mother's "Circling Hand" on her father's back. Annie reflects, "To say that I felt the earth swept away from under me would not be going too far." Her perception of the world, once a shared universe where she and her mother were one, shifts into a reality of independent individuals each following their own paths. The narrative follows Annie's journey to reconstruct herself and discover her own identity. Initially, she saw herself as a smaller version of her mother, but gradually, she recognizes her own reflection in a shop window. She likens herself to "Satan just recently cast out of heaven." Ultimately, her journey of self-discovery results in a symbolic death and rebirth. Her recovery from illness marks her emergence as a self-aware woman. Once healed, she stands taller, aware of her newfound strength, and with her acquired wisdom, she realizes she has outgrown her home island of Antigua.

Annie uses several methods to define her identity. Her physical appearance is one of these methods; her strength and athletic skills earn her respect from her peers and secure her position as the captain of the volleyball team. Another method is her intellect. As a smart student, she takes advantage of opportunities to boost her self-assurance. However, the insights she gains from observing people at home and listening to stories are even more impactful. One such story is about her mother's departure from Dominica, a narrative Annie knows intimately, providing her with a powerful example of womanhood. She is also aware of her father's story but chooses to reject it, despite understanding his hardships. Annie disregards other stories as well, such as that of Uncle John, who passed away young and left his belongings in a trunk. While Annie's possessions are also kept in a trunk, she decides to follow her mother's example and leave Antigua with a new trunk, steering clear of narratives tied to death. Her choice is further influenced by Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre," whose main character also sets off on a journey of independence.