Annie is distressed when she realizes that her mother means for her to begin to assert her own identity. This realization leads Annie to “act up” more, and in ways that her mother frequently cannot abide. To an extent, Annie at first wants to be able to misbehave, but she also wants to receive the maternal approval that she needs. As her mother increasingly withdraws her approval, however, Annie asserts her own personality, though the lack she feels at her mother’s missing support remains painful, and she and her mother become more careful and guarded toward one another. The chapters “The Red Girl,” “Columbus in Chains,” and “Somewhere in Belgium” trace the growing strife and distrust between mother and daughter—as well as Annie’s sagging spirits—but it is in “The Long Rain” that the situation comes to a crisis.

When Annie takes her leave of her mother in the final chapter, it is clear that Annie is no longer a woman her mother understands. She needs to free herself from this too close relationship, but the pain still lingers. Further, because the strong love between mother and daughter can be expressed at their parting, it is clear that the pain of their separation will be felt by Annie for a long time.