Background knowledge It is a testament to the human spirit that she can carry on in spite of her daily ordeals.All three characters-Jeanie,Billy and their mother-seem to appreciate what the others are going through:the mother is sorry that she beat Billy,while at some level,Billy and Jeanie understand her frustrations and forgive her hasty actions. Background knowledge It is a testament to the human spirit that she can carry on in spite of her daily ordeals. All three characters-Jeanie, Billy and their mother-seem to appreciate what the others are going through: the mother is sorry that she beat Billy, while at some level, Billy and Jeanie understand her frustrations and forgive her hasty actions