In Alice Munro's "Lives of Girls and Women," the author explores the idea of a mother's enduring influence and the complexity of her identity. The mother holds onto her past selves, allowing memories and experiences to shape her present reality. These memories are vibrant and persistent, appearing unexpectedly like projections that interrupt the current moment.

The narrative suggests that our identities are not fixed but are instead a tapestry woven from various past experiences. Munro emphasizes how the past continually influences the present, highlighting the struggle between nostalgia and the immediacy of the present moment. Through this lens, the mother’s character embodies resilience and a deep connection to her history.