The "plot" or central theme is the transmission of cultural and societal expectations from mother to daughter.
The mother's instructions cover a wide range of topics, including:
* Domesticity and housekeeping: how to wash clothes, cook, clean, and manage a household.
* Social behavior: how to interact with men, dress appropriately, and behave in public.
* Gender roles and expectations: how to be a "good" woman, how to avoid gossip and trouble, and how to navigate relationships.
* Sexuality and reproduction: how to handle menstruation, manage relationships with men, and protect oneself from pregnancy.
* Spiritual and moral values: how to be a good Christian, how to respect authority, and how to live a virtuous life.
The mother's voice is authoritative and commanding, often using imperatives and warnings. While some of the advice seems practical, much of it is laden with societal pressures and expectations placed upon women, particularly in the Caribbean culture where the story is set.
The lack of a traditional plot allows the reader to focus on the power dynamics and the complex relationship between mother and daughter. The story ultimately leaves the reader pondering the weight of cultural expectations and the struggle for individual identity within a restrictive social framework.