The quote from Jodi Picoult’s book "House Rules" reflects the challenging nature of motherhood, likening it to the myth of Sisyphus. Just as Sisyphus is condemned to endlessly push a boulder uphill only to have it roll back down, motherhood is portrayed as a constant struggle where accomplishments are often met with new challenges. Each time a mother resolves one issue, another emerges, creating a sense of ongoing labor and exhaustion.

This perspective captures the feelings of inadequacy and persistent effort that many mothers experience. The analogy of sewing seams illustrates that while attempts to create a stable environment sometimes succeed, they are often followed by new difficulties, leaving mothers to feel that the roles they inhabit may never truly fit them or the expectations placed upon them.