Final answer:
Ann Putnam's greatest grief is centered on the loss of her loved one, regret over past grievances, and the broader context of societal collapse that robbed her daughter of a future.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ann Putnam's greatest grief, as depicted in the passages provided, seems to revolve around the loss of a loved one, likely her daughter, which not only reopens the old wound of her mother's death but also confronts her with her own limitations and the insignificance of her past grievances. This suffering is compounded by the recognition of lost potential, both in the life her daughter will not lead and the future generations that will not come to pass. Furthermore, Ann is deeply disturbed by the failings and misfortunes of her time, including the loss of honor, country, and rank, considering these collective tragedies in the context of her personal loss.
It appears that her sorrow extends beyond the individual loss to include a sense of powerlessness and disillusionment with the times and the societal collapse that precludes the fulfillment of expectations for her daughter's life. Ann reflects on the smallness of the irritations that once bothered her, and now harbors regret and shame for any negative feelings she harbored towards her daughter while she was alive, providing a nuanced portrayal of grief that involves personal growth and the harsh acknowledgment of her own shortcomings.