In "Change of Heart" by Jodi Picoult, the narrator reflects on the inherited nature of emotional burdens, contemplating the notion that grief can be passed down through generations. They ponder the idea that their child Claire might have inherited a heavy heart from a parent who carries a defective gene, suggesting that trauma and sadness can have lasting effects.
The narrator's musings reveal a connection between genetics and emotional experiences, illustrating the complexity of how familial pain can influence a child's emotional state. This perspective invites deeper consideration of how grief shapes relationships and the lives of those who follow, hinting at the weight of legacy within families.