When Edwin talks to his mother, why does he feel like “something in me reached back to remember all that I’d once hoped I’d be, and placed it next to the feeling of who I am now” (75). What were his aspirations (what did he hope to be?)

Edwin aspired to know his origins and give his life meaning.

Why did Edwin want this?

• Because he was dissatisfied with the direction his life was taking.
• Because he felt unmotivated.
• Because he did not know his paternal family.

Edwin wanted to know more about himself. He wanted to have a meaning in life that would motivate him to know himself and extend that meaning. For this reason, the conversation with his mother about who his father was and about his Indian origin created aspirations and desires in Edwin.