What does Dillard mean when she talks about consciousness?

Why does the book begin with the story about Anne's father traveling to New Orleans, when this incident does not happen some years into the story?

Why does the book end with the New Orleans story?

Explain the last line of the book: "In New Orleans—if you could get to New Orleans—would the music be loud enough?"

Dillard writes in the epilogue that, while it can be interesting to trace one's history throughout life, it does not really matter. Why would she write this in an epilogue to a book which is dedicated entirely to recalling her own past?

Why does Anne hate Amy but love Molly?

When recalling her adolescence, Anne mentions how deeply she was in love with her boyfriend, yet never provides any details about him—not...