How does Jig feel about motherhood?

Determining
the definitive "feeling" that Jig has about motherhood is difficult because of the
style in which the story is written. However, there are a few places in the awkward conversation
between Jig and "the American" that imply that, although she is considering keeping
the child, her feelings about motherhood are negative. From the beginning of the story, Jig
characterizes herself as a woman who is extremely self-conscious and dependent upon others. She
remarks several times how little she cares about herself and how much she wants to her lover to
be happy. These qualities indicate that Jig is immature in many ways and does not want the
responsibility of someone depending upon her.

Also, Jig's own statements
reveal her thoughts and fears about motherhood. One of the most telling statements that Jig
makes, after saying that she and the American "could have everything and every day we make
it more impossible," is this: "No, it isn't. And once they take it away, you never get
it back." She claims a few lines later that she "knows" this to be true. The
pronouns "it" and "they" are used several times in the text as euphemisms
for the child, so she is essentially claiming that the child would ruin their chances at living
the life to which they are accustomed.