Summary Of Dorothy Allison's Bastard Out Of Carolina

Dorothy Allison’s novel, Bastard Out of Carolina is an effective piece of writing because of its memorable characters, vivid imagery, and lively dialogue. Allison’s realistic semi-autobiography unravels a fierce and compelling description of family dynamics, poverty, and child abuse. Bone, the narrator and main character, faces a series of devastating events that begin shortly after her birth. Being a victim of sexual abuse during her childhood years caused her unbearable pain and confusion. As if this was not enough, Bone endured an even more tragic incident when she was abandoned by her own mother, Anney. The psychological damage this left on Bone was ultimately worse than the physical abuse she dealt with from her stepfather. Bone’s unfortunate circumstances are the reason behind her constant struggle with identity. She experienced things one should never have to even hear about as a young and innocent child. Danger arises and everything goes downhill after Anney marries her third husband, Glen Waddell, out of fear of being alone. The way he took his frustrations out on Bone was violent and repulsive. Although Anney took Glen’s side majority of the time, Bone always knew her mother was at least present and aware of the situation. When Anney

It is the unexpected act of betrayal that leaves readers in awe and disappointment. The foreshadowing of Glen’s abuse was present, unlike when Anney leaves her daughter, Bone. “What had she done? I shook my head and swallowed. I knew nothing, understood nothing. Maybe I never would” (309). Bone tries to understand and accept Anney’s decision. She concludes, “I was who I was going to be, someone like her, like Mama, a Boatwright woman” (309). Bone blows off this traumatic event to avoid dealing with it which only adds to her psychological damage. Even Daddy Glen did not expect this