In "Mudwoman" by Joyce Carol Oates, the protagonist is deeply influenced by her Quaker upbringing, which instills in her a strong sense of responsibility and morality. This background compels her to take on the emotional burdens of others and to seek harmony in her relationships. Despite not being at fault, she often apologizes for wrongs committed by others, a behavior driven by her desire to avoid conflict and maintain peace in her environment. This inclination to reconcile and smooth over tensions highlights her internal struggle and the weight of expectations placed upon her. The narrative explores how these tendencies, shaped by her beliefs, affect her identity and interactions with those around her, ultimately leading to both personal conflict and deeper reflections on her past and values.

In "Mudwoman" by Joyce Carol Oates, the protagonist is deeply influenced by her Quaker upbringing, which instills in her a strong sense of responsibility and morality. This background compels her to take on the emotional burdens of others and to seek harmony in her relationships. Despite not being at fault, she often apologizes for wrongs committed by others, a behavior driven by her desire to avoid conflict and maintain peace in her environment.

This inclination to reconcile and smooth over tensions highlights her internal struggle and the weight of expectations placed upon her. The narrative explores how these tendencies, shaped by her beliefs, affect her identity and interactions with those around her, ultimately leading to both personal conflict and deeper reflections on her past and values.