Traumatic Childhood In The Whipping By Robert Hayden

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Growing up in an abusive household always filled with anger, Robert Hayden lived through a traumatic childhood. By reviewing the life of Robert Hayden the readers are able to more easily understand the imagery and setting, as well as the motivation behind his poem “The Whipping”. Robert Hayden, originally Asa Bundy Sheffey, was born August 4th, 1913 to Ruth and Asa Sheffey. The two separated before Hayden was even born, which led to his mother leaving him in the care of the foster family next door, Sue Ellen Westerfield and William Hayden. “The Haydens’ perpetually contentious marriage, coupled with Ruth Sheffey’s competition for her son’s affection, made for a traumatic childhood” (Andrew O. Jones). Hayden was witness to numerous fights