What is the theme in The Miss Firecracker Contest by Beth Henley?

A common theme in the works of Beth Henley is that her characters are seeking their identity, particularly the female lead seeks her identity as a woman outside of her family and her relationships with men. In The Miss Firecracker Contest, Carnelle is trying to find an identity other than orphaned cousin, other than "Miss Hot Tamale," and other than the ugly loser she sees herself to be.