Through adversity and hardship in one's life, one can genuinely begin to have a true understanding of one's self. Through the use of dynamic characters, loose ends, metaphors and point of view, this idea is portrayed in Janet Fitch's White Oleander, through the characters of Astrid and Ingrid Magnussen. The two endure much suffering in their lives, and because of that, develop insight into the true nature of themselves. The author chose these literary techniques to assist in exposing the novel's underlying theme of self-discovery.
             The author uses a technique called "loose ends" to emphasize the impact of the main character's decision. In White Oleander, the main character, Astrid, is left to live a life of pain and anguish. This pain is brought on by decisions that her mother had made in her state of delusion. Ingrid kills her ex-boyfriend in a fit a jealousy and is arrested, leaving her 12 year-old daughter to explore life on her own. Because of this, Astrid lives a life of trial and misery, and learns to blame that fact on her mother. Yet throughout the book, we see a slight connection between Astrid and her mother. The connection is portrayed in letters between the two and Astrid stopping in the midst of an action, trying to think of what her mother would do in the same type of situation. These feelings make Astrid realize that Ingrid will forever be a part of her life. This thought, although scares her, also comforts her. Astrid will always feel the bond between her and her mother, which is what entices her to consider moving back to L.A. to be with her mother at the end. Astrid says, "no matter where I went, my compass pointed west. I would always know what time it was in California"(469). Her memories constantly take her back to euphoric times of her with her mother. She's intoxicated with the thought of going back to her mother, and one gets the impression that she is torn between her two potential living styl...