What kind of relationship does Claudia have with her mother?

The memoir revolves around Claudia’s evolving relationship with her enigmatic and stern mother. When she is a younger child, Claudia mostly observes her mother’s actions without understanding them. Her hopes from her mother are simple; she wants her mother’s attention. However, as Claudia grows older, she begins to challenge her mother’s authority. This new development in their relationship is shown most clearly in the chapter titled “Lentils, Anyone?” in which Mamá punishes Claudia by forcing her to kneel on lentils. However, even as the memoir shows Claudia’s growing disobedience and her propensity to question her mother’s decisions, the memoir suggests that this character trait is actually what binds the two together. Like her mother, Claudia is rebellious, rambunctious, and strong-willed.

How does the novel portray relationships between mothers and daughters?

The...