Explain how the following characters play against one another Clarisse - Mildred

Clarisse represents enlightenment and hope while Mildred represents ignorance and futility. There is the motif of darkness and light personified by each character. Clarisse is a light of enlightenment while Mildred suffers the darkness of the state and the status quo. Clarisse is young and vibrant while Mildred feels old and tired. They are very much character foils of each other.