Why did Jim write this book? His motivation is more complex than just to keep a record of his memoirs, or to reconcile with his humble past, or to rekindle an old relationship.

Jim's reflection is a reflection of his own growth toward maturity. His memoir helps him relive his past while growing toward the future he will live. He has always loved Antonia, but as he has become successful he has moved away from his feelings toward her. In essence, she is a kind of unresolved part of his past; when he rekindles his old relationship with Antonia, he is becoming more mature, and he is acknowledging an unresolved issue from his past.