Mooney was forced to take steps, out of fear, determination and pride, to liberate herself and her children. At the same time, this "liberation" of her children turns out to merely be the opportunity for Mrs. Mooney to exercise her ability to manipulate and control others. She allows her daughter and the boarder to become lovers so that she can force the man to marry her daughter. By showing the reader the instability of her daughter, her son, and her daughter's lover, Joyce emphasizes the controlling and manipulative power of Mrs. Mooney, who is thoroughly, even icily stable.