How does the book frame memory as a source of knowledge?

• A. Through Lily's experiences and Deborah's letters, memory reveals hidden truths and fuels growth.
• B. Memory is unreliable and confusing.
• C. Memory is irrelevant.
• D. Memory is solely Deborah's, not Lily's.

Answer: (A)

Memory acts as a source of knowledge by connecting Lily to her past and using that past to understand the present. Through Lily’s own experiences and the letters Deborah left behind, memory becomes a means of uncovering truths that aren’t obvious from surface appearances or hearsay. Deborah’s letters provide firsthand, intimate insight into Lily’s mother—her love, choices, and the realities she faced—giving Lily a clearer, more complete picture than she can get from the stories around her. At the same time, Lily’s memories of her time with the Boatwright sisters, the feelings she experiences, and the lessons she learns there help her interpret events, recognize bias, and see patterns she hadn’t noticed before. When memory supplies this kind of knowledge, it guides Lily’s growth—shaping her sense of self, her empathy, and her courage to act with honesty and compassion.