Here's how it plays out in the story:
* Gilly, a cynical and defiant girl, has built a wall around her heart to protect herself from hurt. She believes she is better than everyone else, especially those who have tried to care for her.
* Through her interactions with the kind and persistent Mrs. Trotter, Gilly experiences genuine love and acceptance for the first time. This softens her defenses and begins to chip away at her negativity.
* Gilly learns that her "badness" is a facade, a coping mechanism for her pain. She realizes that she craves love and belonging, even though she doesn't always express it.
* The story emphasizes that everyone deserves love and understanding, even those who seem unlovable. It highlights the power of kindness and compassion to change hearts and lives.
Ultimately, "Great Gilly Hopkins" is a story about finding your true self through the power of love and overcoming the pain of the past to embrace a hopeful future.