Rape Tradition in Breath, in Eyes, in Memory A major theme that I believe this book repeats is the idea that people will blindly follow long-standing traditions simply because it is "expected." For example, Tante Atie felt obligated to take care of her mother. This was the tradition for the older women of the family in Haiti. Tante Atie obviously resented this duty, but felt it was her obligation as part of that family. Sophie's mother, however, was free from this tradition and could move to New York. Sophie's mother was also tormented by the fact that she blindly followed the obligations she had been taught. It is tradition in Haiti that when a girl reaches puberty, she is ritualistically "tested" for her purity. These tests were unknowingly psychologically harmful to girls, but no one ever questioned them. It was simply tradition. Sophie's mother was only saved from the test because she was raped, which she calls "the only good thing that came from my rape." Tante Atie is said to have shouted in protest against this purity test. However, when Sophie came of age, her mother still gave her these tests as a matter of tradition, even though she was aware of how mentally harmful these tests were for young women. I realize that every culture has its own traditions that seem strange to outside cultures. For example, the book mentions an Ethiopian woman who is in sex therapy due to the mutant ritual performed on her by her elders. I just think that when it comes to rituals and traditions like these, it shouldn't be a question of whether it's a tradition or not, but whether it's morally and ethically acceptable. I don't understand how a mother could do anything harmful or hurtful to her child. The book's explanation for preserving the girl's purity is that when the girl marries, her family can save face by making sure their daughter is pure. I believe these tests make it extremely clear to young women that they are not trusted to do the right thing or tell the truth.