Final answer:
The author contrasts Gerald's relationships with Aunt Queen and his mother to highlight familial diversity and explore different perspectives on how family dynamics shape an individual's life, indicating a conscious intent to emphasize various influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship of Gerald with Aunt Queen is juxtaposed with that of Gerald and his mother to highlight familial diversity. By contrasting these relationships, the author showcases how different family members can influence an individual's life in varied ways. In the case of Aunt Queen, the relationship may be one characterized by love, support, and positive guidance, while the relationship with his mother might be portrayed as neglectful, abusive, or absent. This stark contrast is used to emphasize how the presence of a nurturing family member like Aunt Queen can make a significant difference in one's life, providing an alternative to a potentially negative maternal influence.
Through these divergent family relationships, the author may also be exploring different perspectives on family dynamics and the pivotal role they play in shaping one's identity and future. While Aunt Queen's relationship illustrates unconditional love and support, the mother's contrasting treatment serves as a narrative device to reveal the complexities and challenges in family bonds. The author's intent is to show how individuals can be shaped by the varied relationships within their family, which can range from being a source of strength to a place of conflict. This disparity not only illustrates the diversity of family experiences but also examines the critical impact of maternal presence or absence in personal development.