The mother-daughter relationship in "Fierce Attachments" evolves from a complex, intense, and often strained relationship to one that becomes more nuanced and accepting. Key factors influencing its dynamics include:
Differences in Life Experiences: Their contrasting backgrounds and life experiences, such as my protagonist's education and career versus her mother's working-class life, contribute to their differing perspectives and values.
Communication Barriers: Misunderstandings and communication breakdowns, like the protagonist's inability to understand her mother's silence during a traumatic event, create barriers that affect their relationship.
Shared Experiences: Walking together in New York City and their shared neighborhood experiences help them bond, despite their differences.
Personal Growth: Both characters' personal growth, including the protagonist's development as a writer and her mother's evolving views on love and life, influence their relationship.
Interpersonal Relationships: The protagonist's relationships with other women, like Nettie and her mother, and her romantic relationships, like with Davey Levinson, also impact her relationship with her own mother.
Age and Time: As they age, their relationship changes, with the protagonist gaining a deeper understanding of her mother's life and experiences.