Mummy’s sickness symbolizes her diminishing strength: as Eleanor begins to open up to Dr. Temple and Raymond, she has less need for Mummy, and Mummy has less power over Eleanor. When Mummy tells Eleanor that their talks “revitalize[]” her, she underscores the point that Eleanor’s loneliness and lack of confidence perpetuate her social ineptitude. The more Eleanor relies on Mummy for socialization, the greater the hold Mummy has on Eleanor. When Eleanor is feeling more insecure, she is less willing to socialize. Thus, Eleanor’s loneliness “revitalizes” her insecurities.