What role did traumatic loss play in Emilie’s relationships with Keller and Walker? Do you think she’d have taken up with either man without that catalyst?
With no training in psychology, I would still guess that the major rejection by her mother did play a role in her self-worth when it came to relationships. Even considering the times, she put up with way too much abuse from Keller, especially when her father would have found a way to help her out of that circumstance. By the time Walker came along she knew herself better and was able to take action when his behavior became unacceptable.
I think Connie is right about self-worth because of the way her mother treated her but, I am also surprised because Emile was also a strong-willed, young girl who knew what she wanted to do with her life. I was very confused by her falling for Keller as well as staying with him. It just did not match with the Emilie I thought I knew.