The women in the novel are portrayed as victims of ignorance, violence, and prejudice, leading to their alienation from family, others, and God. For example, Mattie, who leaves home because of her father's abuse, never reunites with her parents. Likewise, her son, for whom she sacrificed everything, leaves without saying goodbye. Naylor continually emphasizes the characters' isolation throughout the story. The relationship between Lorraine and Ben is especially poignant. Both are rejected by those they love or wish to love, and they form a deep friendship. Lorraine's tragic act of murdering Ben further heightens the despair felt by all the characters at different points in the narrative.