What Is Bone's Abuse In Bastard Out Of Carolina

In the book Bastard Out of Carolina, Bone survives her stepfather’s, Glen’s, abuse by finding ways to escape from it. For instance, at the beginning of chapter nine, Bone’s mother permits her to work with her in the diner for extra spending money and encourages her to occupy her days in order to avoid Glen when he comes home from work (Allison 119). Although Bone attempts to take her mother’s advice to prevent the abuse by finding ways to circumvent it, the abuse persists because Glen personally seeks out Bone. Yet, Bone discovers a diversion from Glen’s persistent abuse when she finds metal fishing hooks connected to chains at the bottom of the river behind her Aunt Raylene’s house. Bone’s desire to keep these metal hooks and chains for herself is unusual because according to societal standards such items seem to appeal more to males as sharp tools used for sport. Furthermore, her desire to own the metal fishing hooks and chains demonstrates the security she finds in seemingly masculine objects. While Bone physically escapes from some of Glen’s abuse through the activities in which her mother suggests she

Bone connects with these hooks because she finds similarities with them and comfort in them, and their presence stabilizes her mental state. For example, the rust on the outside of these metal hooks hide the sharp and dangerous edges used for trawling and fishing. Similarly, Bone’s outside feminine qualities hide her anger and defensive nature, or her inner masculine qualities. By interacting and connecting with the metal fishing hooks and the chain, Bone is able to overcome the abusive situation because she connects with her true identity and lets no one alter the security she finds with her inner masculine qualities. Ultimately, she is in control of her