As the book draws closer to the conclusion we can see some parallelism between mother and daughter. Sophie and Martine both wake up at night because of nightmares and similarly, hide it from their men. Martine is also pregnant but isn’t sure whether to keep the baby. In the end, Martine commits suicide and although this is very tragic this may have set Sophie free from her demons. During the funeral Sophie takes off her shoes and beats the cane possibly suggesting that Sophie has come to terms with the suffering since ultimately her mother is the root of her pain. It appears that although the suffering has been passed down from grandmother to mother to Sophie, Sophie will be the one to break the vicious cycle. In other words, Sophie will not be testing her daughter Brigitte.

In the beginning of these chapters, Sophie is given a cassette from her mother and learns that although she has disconnected from Martine, Martine has sent money showing that she still cares for Sophie and wishes to reconcile with her. Sophie’s husband, Joseph, and her mother Martine are both concerned about her whereabouts and this may indicate that Sophie may want to reconnect in the future. Sophie also makes the connection with the Macoutes and the possibility of how she was conceived. Sophie also tries to forget about the past and the hymen test that was given to her by Martine. This is rather difficult because she can’t erase those memories that have turned into nightmares. Furthermore, Sophie has an in depth conversation about the tests with Grandmother Ife and the purpose of these tests. When Martine comes to Haiti, Sophie uses this opportunity to confront her mother about the tests. Martine does not give an apology but gives an explanation instead. We learn that Martine’s nightmares might not only be from the rape but also from the tests. However, Martine is thankful for Sophie when she wakes her up from her nightmares. The constant reminder of these tests in the text shows the reader how Danticat feels about this “tradition”.

It appears the author Danticat fast forwards in time with Sophie visiting Haiti with her daughter Brigitte. Sophie learns that Atie is no longer illiterate and has even begun writing poems. When grandma Ife asks Atie to read to her she reads the poem that Sophie had wrote to Ife on Mother’s Day. After all these years, Ife had not forgotten. This is a very touching scene. It also interesting to note that Sophie and her mother have not talked for a while and has not seen her grandchild. In these chapters the theme of mother and daughter is very apparent and emphasized. Sophie and her mother’s disconnect, the constant mentioning of how Brigitte looks similar to Martine, and also Louise’s mum’s death. Furthermore, we learn that Sophie left to get away from Joseph.

During these chapters Sophie is grown up and is in her teenage years. As most teenagers, she is going through the rebellious phase and goes against her mother Martine’s orders and sneaks out to see Joseph, her much older neighbor whom she is falling for. In chapter ten, Sophie and her mother spend quality time together and Sophie brings up the question whether it is okay to be interested in a boy. It is quite humorous when Martine starts to pry and asks who this boy is. This backfires when Sophie makes up a name to lie and it happens to be a real person. Later into the chapters, Sophie is caught coming home late in the morning from spending time with Joseph and she is given the “test”. Sophie uses a pestle to break her hymen to stop her mother from giving her the test.

When Sophie reaches New York everything about her perception about the place changes. Sophie had envisioned the place to be much better than the conditions she was previously living in. All the folk in Haiti claimed that she was extremely fortunate and that things would be much better in New York. However, it is ironic because it isn’t much better and the major difference would be that Sophie’s mother owns a car. The car isn’t a nice one either. The apartment building where her mother stays is beat up with graffiti and homeless people are sleeping right outside. Another interesting thing to note is that Sophie’s mother was nothing like she had expected to be. It is also interesting to note the terrible dreams that Martine has. We learn that her nightmares are caused by her past when she was in Haiti and raped by a man that impregnated her with Sophie.

In the first four chapters of this novel, the setting, including the protagonist is introduced. It sets place in the early 80s in Haiti. Aunt Atie is acting as Sophie’s mother while she is away in Brookyn, New York. Sophie does not remember her mom Martine since she had left her when she was very young; however, Martine has been sending money so that Atie and Sophie are able to live above poverty. We learn that Atie and Martine are very similar and that Martine left Haiti not to abandon Sophie but to find a better life for the both of them. Judging by the setting of where Sophie and Atie are living we can conclude that the family is very poor. At the end of the fourth chapter Sophie who was given a plane ticket through a package is New York bound to reunite with her mother Martine.

It interesting to see how both Iphigene and Christopher have pivotal roles in the rebellion against the Caucasians and convince Tituba to join. They are also involved in a relationship with Tituba while she tries desperately to adjust back to her homeland. In the end they both contribute to her demise by manipulating her and ultimately lose their lives in the process. This all stems from Tituba’s sexual desires which she must fulfill that seem to only bring her pain and suffering.

Additionally, a theme that may be potentially important is the child-mother relationship. Tituba’s encounter with the dead rabbit and the two unborn kits. This symbolizes Tituba and herself, due to her actions she will never see her children.

Benjamin Cohen, a Jewish merchant is introduced in these chapters and it is important to note the similarities between him and Hester. Like Hester, Cohen has been persecuted but because of being Jewish. However, the difference between both Tituba and Hester is that Cohen, unlike them, puts blame on himself while they see themselves as victims. Cohen believes that he is being punished for being unfaithful to God. It is interesting to see a different dynamic as a white male being incorporated into the story that is also being oppressed.

It is also interesting to point out the racist Christian ship captain that would only agree to take Tituba to Barbados if she used her abilities to heal the sick and manipulate the winds to his needs. Hypocrisy is being shown through the actions and selfish desires of the ship captain.

In chapters two through seven, an important theme to notice is when Hester is hanged and Tituba has dreams of her. Although there are hints of sexuality for a woman and also foreshadowing of Tituba’s death it is important to notice the highlight of feminism. Hester’s spirit is closely correlated with feminism more so than Abena and Mama Yaya’s spirits. The innocent, independent idealists similar to Hester that have been persecuted over the years.

Lastly, in chapter seven, Tituba’s last line “Few people have the misfortune to be born twice” showcases significant irony. In Christianity being born again is celebrated as people are baptized and devote their new lives by living through Christ. This is a blessing for Christians; however, Tituba perceives this as more suffering and a curse.

In chapter ten, Christianity is being portrayed as corrupt while community members are seen appearing or acting holy rather than practicing and living as such. In the following chapters, it is important to note what Mama Yaya suggests to Tituba that seeking revenge is a part of corrupt Christianity. This has to do with the desire for power and status. Mama Yaya’s words has a bit of irony to it; suggesting not to give in to the evil ways of Christianity. Another depiction of corrupt and how hypocritical Christianity is being displayed when the Christian town matron encourages Tituba to use witchcraft for revenge. All of this adds fuel to the fire by giving Tituba more reason to avoid becoming like the whites and a Christian.