Larry's Father: Effects Of Complex Trauma

The outcome of the abuse from Larry’s father has lasting effects on Larry that have caused him complex trauma. Per the “Effects of Complex Trauma” found on the National Child Traumatic Stress Network states that “Complexly traumatized children are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors”. “We’d also sniff gas. I wasn’t too crazy about it at first, but after seeing my dad do the bad thing to my aunt, it took the shakes away”(58). This statement shows that Larry did not see a benefit to huffing. Originally, this would be a behavior that Larry would end up growing out of in time, if he only ever did it to fit in. But, after seeing his father rape his aunt he used huffing as a coping mechanism for alleviating himself from the “shakes” (58).

Another effect of complex trauma that is evident in Larry is that he is “easily triggered or “set off”” (Effects of Complex Trauma). One instance of Larry being “set off” occurred in Johnny’s apartment when Jazz teased Larry after coming out of the bathroom. Upon Jazz’s inquiry, Larry “punched Jazz so damn hard his feet touched the ceiling” (56). After the fight, had went on for

There is some evidence that indicates that the abuse cycle in the Sole family could continue with Larry. The following shows an example of Larry agreeing with his father’s abusive thoughts after his father is gone. “She’d cut her hair the last time Jed split and it hadn’t grown back to its original length. My dad would’ve called her a dizzy shit for doing that, but I could see why” (6). This is worrisome because something as trivial as a haircut should not justify someone being verbally abused. Yet, Larry knows that that is what his father would have done and even agrees with the statement. This statement also shows that despite Larry’s father being gone he remains him in his memory. Likewise, Larry can still identify what his father would say in