Power and Control

Each of the novel’s primary characters’ struggles for power and control over their own lives. Throughout the novel, Tara, Brian, Eddie, and Geraldine pursue independence and autonomy. However, their desire for personal freedom often leads them to alienate their loved ones and themselves. For example, Tara’s desire to protect Eddie compels her into prison, a situation which limits her agency and robs her of her power over her identity and her future. Upon her release from Taconic, however, “the overwhelming openness” of her future hits her and she still feels “a sense of powerlessness that [comes] with having little control over her own life” (6). She will no longer be held behind bars, but because she has no money, will be “living off her sister and brother,” and will meet adversity trying to find a job “with a record,” Tara feels helpless when...