Mother Daughter Relationship In Annie John

The relationship between the mother and daughter in Annie John is dynamic. The relationship in the beginning of the novel is positive and respected, but throughout the book Annie fights the idea that she and her mother are separate and different people. By the end of the book Annie realizes and accepts the idea and that it is true.
In the second chapter, Annie says, "My mother and I often took a bath together. Sometimes it was just a plain bath, which did not take very long. Other times it was a special bath in which the barks and flowers of many different trees, together with all sorts of oils, were boiled in the same large cauldron. “(Annie John Kincaid, pg. 14). This quote describes Annie’s early childhood relationship with her mother.
102). In response, Annie says, “ Well like father like son, like mother like daughter.” (Annie John KIncaid pg. 102). This is an example of when the tension between Annie and her mother began to intensify. .Not only did the mother insult Annie, but also Annie insulted her mother. They begin to insult each in a disrespectful way and this creates a barrier between them and building their relationship. In the final chapter, the mother says, "It doesn't matter what you do or where you go, I'll always be your mother and this will always be your home.” (Annie John Kincaid pg. 147). When it is finally time for Annie to leave and start her own life, Annie and her mother have a heart to heart and bring their relationship back to where it all started, Even though there was tension between them, the mother reassures Annie that she will always be there to support her in life no matter where she is or what she is doing. Annie realizes that she has everything she needs to be her own person in her own life. In conclusion, the relationship between Annie and her mother had some ups and downs, but in the end they came together. They learned from each other and eventually realized what was best. By the end of the book, both Annie and her mother matured