The best meaning of self-perpetuating probably is . changing from one moment to the next self-denying believing in oneself viewing oneself in a way that lasts a long time

In chapter 5, ekwefi is called "a woman who had suffered a great deal and in chapter 6, when discussing ezinma with chielo, she states, '"i pray she stays." speculate what may have been an event that caused suffering in ekwefi's past.