Summary Of Dorothy Allison's Bastard Out Of Carolina

Being born into a certain lifestyle, unfortunately isn’t one’s choice to make. The life one is dealt, whether it is filled with luxuries or poverty, will impact one’s future and the relationships and decisions they will make. Although some are born into an advantageous life, with money, parents, and a planned future, others are left with the struggle of putting food into their empty bellies. The demanding life that the less fortunate live, is showcased in Dorothy Allison’s novel, Bastard Out of Carolina. Growing up as a Boatwright took a heavy toll on Bone. Developing into a young woman while living under strenuous conditions and being raised by poor role models, played a part in her mentality and the relationships she formed throughout the entirety of the book.

Since she was born, Bone has suffered an unusual and difficult life, and it all began when “ILLEGITIMATE” was stamped on her birth certificate. Bone is born a bastard child who is left with no biological father, and a broke 15 year old mother to raise her. The absence of a father figure in Bone’s life and a loving spouse in her mother’s life, Anney, influences many of the decisions she makes with her new “father”, Glen. The sexual and psychological abuse that Bone receives from Glen leaves both emotional and physical scarring. Bone’s choice of keeping this a secret from her mom and family is a result from her need for love from a father and her strong love for her mother. Bone wanted her mother to be happy and for that to happen, Anney had to be with Glen. Bone’s relationship with her mother was so strong she was willing to give up her innocence for her happiness. Bone’s decision to keep the abuse a secret was also a repercussion to her longing for a fatherly love, to do so she replaced her missing father’s desolation with Glen’s