The internal monologue which Jeanne conducts with herself delineates the complex issues which she carries into adulthood. Philosophically, Jeanne remarks that she feels less discouraged by racist exclusion than by "watching Radine's success." Either refusing to envy Radine or denying envy, Jeanne accepts her Oriental face, which contrasts with the "young, beautifully blond and blue-eyed high school girl moving through a room full of others her own age, much admired by everyone, men and women both, myself included." The experience "empties" Jeanne, short-circuiting her dreams of fulfillment.
Ironically, in victory, Jeanne knows no contentment. Mama, who is sensitive to her youngest's trials, helps with the selection of a dress without actually identifying with Jeanne's predicament. The binding force between mother and daughter is love and mutual respect of feminine needs to be admired and accepted. Whereas Ko refuses Jeanne the opportunity to blossom, Mama takes the diplomatic road by accompanying her on a shopping trip and helping her to perceive herself as beautiful in a "frilly ball gown that covered almost everything and buried my legs under layers of ruffles."
