Finding Strength

In "Sister, Sister", one of the most important themes present is the concept of finding oneself and one's inner strength. All three of the main characters demonstrate this struggle during the narrative, often in several different ways at once. When Walter, her husband, treats her indifferently, Valerie begins seeing Daniel, but feeling guilty, she breaks it off with Daniel and confronts Walter. Since Walter rejects and insults Valerie, she plans to make him regret his unforgiveable actions. Valerie buys a gasoline container and flammable liquid and sneaks into their house at night to douse Walter with the liquid. She frightens him and tells him that she will give him his divorce, but she is keeping her house. Later, Walter regrets his actions and begs for forgiveness, but Valerie stands strong and refuses to reconcile. Meanwhile, she resumes dating Daniel because he appreciates her and returns to college...