In this excerpt, Stratton uses motif and repetition to develop Chanda’s character and show the reader that she does not know how to react towards shocking situations that occur, or what to do about it. Chanda thinks by reciting the alphabet when she’s overwhelmed can get her out of reality. The reader knows that whether Chanda recites the alphabets or not, this won’t help change Esther’s situation. Due to the several times where this has happened, and her reactions has remained the same, and Esther’s tragedy did not change. This extends further more on Stratton’s point where Chanda has got to adapt to problems going on around her and learn how to face these situations with maturity and courage of not being afraid of shame.
