In chapter 15, Why at the start of the chapter did William Beech feel like two different people, but by the end of the chapter he only feels like one person?

Willie is shown to be a very compassionate person in “Home.” Despite the history of abuse, Willie is prepared to return to his mother in the spirit of new beginnings; he has practically forgotten her personality. He brings her many thoughtful presents. He tries to hold his baby sister, who appears to also be a victim of abuse, when she cries out. When he considers that his mother might sell some of his new things, he hopes that at least the money can help the baby.

These little moments show us that Willie, rather than having let the abuse harden him, has grown more caring. His mother, on the other hand, has let the difficulties of her life distort her, which is something emphasized in this chapter. We see that his mother is constantly worried about maintaining control of her son and following an imagined idea of Christian perfection. This sense of control makes her violent and uncaring, preventing her from loving her own son. This lack of love makes Willie “feel ill” just being around her.