The story, which seems to be about several characters finding their identity within themselves, uses these elements to express the plot and its moral. The conflict and resolution between Squeaky and other characters (sorry, havent read the book, just a quick summary) shows the growth of her character (and if anyone else had conflicts and resolutions, its growth for them too). Its the characters way of finding their maturity, and learning how to handle their problems, and having the experience after dealing with them. Also, both the dialouge and their behavior towards certain actions or words can also show us the characters progression and growth, and can give us a bit of insight as to where the character stands in the beginning, and how they find themselves and their true calling and identity in the end.
hope this helps!
Provisions in this sentence means food.
The action of saying words aloud to be typed, written down or recorded on tape
