Bastard Out of Carolina

By Dorothy Allison

Bastard Out of Carolina is a powerful and evocative novel by Dorothy Allison, first published in 1992. Set in the American South, this semi-autobiographical work explores themes of poverty, abuse, and family loyalty. Dorothy Allison, a prominent writer and feminist, drew from her own experiences growing up in a similar environment to craft a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The novel is classified under the genre of Southern Gothic fiction, characterized by its depiction of grim and often unsettling aspects of life in the rural South. Allison’s raw and unflinching portrayal of her characters’ struggles offers readers a compelling and poignant narrative.


Plot Summary

Bastard Out of Carolina follows the life of Ruth Anne “Bone” Boatwright, a young girl growing up in the impoverished rural South. The novel begins with Bone’s childhood, introducing her as a spirited and resilient girl living with her extended family in a small, tight-knit community. The exposition reveals her life with her mother, Anney, and her various relatives, painting a picture of a family struggling to make ends meet but holding together through shared bonds and hardships.

The rising action unfolds as Anney marries Glen Waddell, a man who initially appears kind but soon reveals a darker side. Glen’s abuse towards Bone and the tension within the family escalate as he becomes increasingly violent. Bone’s attempts to cope with her abusive stepfather, coupled with her mother’s denial and attempts to protect her new family, heighten the novel’s emotional intensity.

The climax occurs when Glen’s abuse reaches its peak, leading to a devastating confrontation that exposes the depth of his cruelty and the fragile nature of the family’s unity. Bone’s personal struggle culminates in a moment of intense crisis, forcing her to confront the harsh reality of her situation.

In the falling action, the aftermath of the climax forces Bone and her family to deal with the consequences of Glen’s actions. The resolution brings a sense of bittersweet closure as Bone begins to find her own path, but the scars of her past remain a poignant reminder of the challenges she has faced.


Character Analysis

Ruth Anne “Bone” Boatwright

Bone is the protagonist of the novel, a strong-willed and resilient girl who faces severe adversity throughout her life. Her character is defined by her determination to survive and protect her sense of self amid the chaos of her abusive home. Bone’s development throughout the story highlights her growing awareness of her circumstances and her struggle for personal dignity.

Anney Boatwright

Anney is Bone’s mother, whose love for her children is evident, but her inability to protect them from Glen’s abuse is a central conflict in the novel. Her character represents the complexity of familial loyalty and the struggle between personal happiness and the well-being of her children.

Glen Waddell

Glen is Anney’s abusive husband and Bone’s stepfather. His character is marked by his outward charm and inward cruelty, making him a symbol of the darker side of human nature and the destructive impact of unchecked power.

Uncle Daddy

Uncle Daddy is Bone’s abusive uncle who also represents the cycle of abuse within the family. His interactions with Bone highlight the pervasive nature of trauma and its impact on family dynamics.

Character Analysis Summary

CharacterRolePersonalityDevelopment
Ruth Anne “Bone” BoatwrightProtagonistResilient, determinedGrows from a naive girl into a self-aware young woman.
Anney BoatwrightMotherLoving, conflictedStruggles between her love for Bone and her need for stability.
Glen WaddellAntagonistCharming, abusiveReveals his true nature as the story progresses.
Uncle DaddySecondary antagonistCruel, manipulativeRepresents the continuation of abuse within the family.

Themes and Symbols

Themes

  • Abuse and Trauma: The novel delves deeply into the effects of physical and emotional abuse on individuals and families, showing how trauma can perpetuate cycles of violence.
  • Family and Loyalty: Despite the dysfunction within Bone’s family, the novel explores the complex bonds that tie family members together, even in the face of abuse.
  • Class and Poverty: The struggle for survival and dignity in the face of poverty is a recurring theme, illustrating the socioeconomic challenges faced by Bone and her family.
  • Identity and Self-Discovery: Bone’s journey is also one of self-discovery, as she learns to understand and assert her identity despite the adversities she faces.

Symbols

  • Bone’s Name: Bone symbolizes both the strength and fragility of the protagonist. It represents her resilience and the emotional and physical scars she endures.
  • The Family Home: The Boatwright family’s home symbolizes the instability and emotional turmoil within the family, reflecting the personal struggles of its inhabitants.
  • Glen’s Car: Glen’s car represents his power and control, a tool he uses to assert dominance and inflict abuse on Bone.

Style and Tone

Dorothy Allison’s writing style in Bastard Out of Carolina is marked by its raw and unflinching realism. Her narrative is characterized by:

  • First-Person Perspective: The story is told from Bone’s point of view, providing an intimate look into her thoughts and feelings.
  • Vivid Descriptions: Allison’s detailed descriptions bring the setting and characters to life, immersing readers in the rural Southern environment.
  • Emotional Depth: The novel’s tone fluctuates between stark realism and poignant reflection, capturing the emotional highs and lows of Bone’s experiences.

Tone

  • Gritty: The tone often reflects the harsh realities of Bone’s life, portraying the struggles of poverty and abuse with unvarnished honesty.
  • Empathetic: Despite the novel’s often dark themes, Allison’s writing conveys a deep empathy for her characters, allowing readers to connect with their experiences.

Literary Devices used in Bastard Out of Carolina

1. Imagery

Imagery is used extensively to create vivid and often unsettling pictures of Bone’s world. It helps readers visualize the physical and emotional landscapes of the novel.

2. Symbolism

Allison employs symbolism to add layers of meaning to characters and events, such as Bone’s name and the family home.

3. Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is used to hint at future events, creating suspense and anticipation throughout the narrative.

4. Flashback

Flashbacks are used to provide background information on characters and their histories, enriching the reader’s understanding of the present events.

5. Irony

Irony is employed to highlight the discrepancies between appearance and reality, particularly in the portrayal of Glen’s character.

6. Metaphor

Metaphors are used to draw comparisons between seemingly unrelated things, adding depth to the narrative.

7. Dialogue

The dialogue in the novel reflects the authentic speech patterns and vernacular of the rural South, adding realism to the characters.

8. Personification

Personification is used to give human traits to inanimate objects or abstract concepts, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

9. Tone

The tone shifts throughout the novel to match the emotional and thematic content, ranging from gritty realism to empathetic reflection.

10. Repetition

Repetition is used to emphasize key themes and emotional states, reinforcing the reader’s connection to Bone’s experiences.


Literary Devices Examples

Imagery

ExampleExplanation
“The house was a clutter of broken furniture and peeling wallpaper.”This imagery vividly depicts the dilapidated state of Bone’s home, reflecting the family’s struggles.
“Bone felt the sting of Glen’s anger like a physical blow.”This imagery captures the intensity of Glen’s emotional abuse through a physical comparison.
“The moonlight cast long, haunting shadows across the yard.”This description creates a foreboding atmosphere, enhancing the novel’s suspenseful tone.

Symbolism

ExampleExplanation
Bone’s nameSymbolizes her resilience and the emotional scars she carries.
The Boatwright family homeRepresents the instability and emotional turmoil within the family.
Glen’s carSymbolizes his control and dominance over Bone and the family.

Foreshadowing

ExampleExplanation
“Bone noticed the way Glen’s smile seemed to vanish when no one was looking.”Hints at Glen’s true nature and the hidden abuse to come.
“Anney’s hesitance to talk about Glen’s past was unusual.”Suggests that there are troubling aspects of Glen’s character that will be revealed.
“The shadow that fell across Bone’s face seemed to linger longer than usual.”Foreshadows the upcoming darkness and suffering in Bone’s life.

Flashback

ExampleExplanation
“Bone remembered her earlier days with her real father.”Provides context for Bone’s current situation and emotional state.
“The memories of her grandmother’s tales provided comfort.”Helps explain Bone’s emotional coping mechanisms and connections to her past.
“She recalled the rare moments of laughter before Glen’s arrival.”Highlights the contrast between past happiness and current trauma.

Irony

ExampleExplanation
“Glen’s charm made him a respected figure in the community, despite his abuse.”Highlights the discrepancy between Glen’s public image and his true nature.
“Anney’s desire for a stable family led her to marry Glen, who brought instability.”Ironically, Anney’s quest for stability worsens her family’s situation.
“Bone’s own name, which suggests strength, is given to her despite the weakness she feels.”Emphasizes the contrast between Bone’s perceived and actual strength.

Metaphor

ExampleExplanation
“Bone’s childhood was a rough sea, with every wave threatening to pull her under.”Compares Bone’s turbulent upbringing to a perilous sea, illustrating her struggles.
“Glen’s presence was a dark cloud overshadowing the family.”Uses a weather metaphor to describe Glen’s negative impact on the family.
“Bone’s heart was a locked chest, protecting her from the world’s cruelties.”Metaphorically represents Bone’s emotional defenses against her harsh reality.

Dialogue

ExampleExplanation
“‘You’ll do as you’re told,’ Glen said, his voice cold and commanding.”Reflects Glen’s authoritative and abusive nature.
“‘I’m trying, Bone,’ Anney said, her voice trembling.”Shows Anney’s struggle to balance her responsibilities and her emotional state.
“‘Nothing’s ever easy,’ Bone muttered, her voice full of resigned wisdom.”Reveals Bone’s growing understanding of her difficult circumstances.

Personification

ExampleExplanation
“The wind howled in protest against the injustice of the world.”Gives human-like qualities to the wind, emphasizing the novel’s themes of injustice.
“The house seemed to breathe with the weight of its inhabitants’ troubles.”Personifies the house to reflect the emotional burden carried by its residents.
“The night wrapped its dark arms around Bone, shielding her from the day’s harshness.”Uses personification to depict the night as a protective force.

Tone

ExampleExplanation
“The narrative often shifts from gritty realism to moments of tender reflection.”Describes the varying emotional tones used to match different parts of the story.
“Bone’s internal monologues are tinged with a sense of weary resignation.”Reflects the novel’s tone of emotional depth and realism.
“The descriptions of the family’s hardships are raw and unfiltered.”Highlights the novel’s gritty and realistic tone.

Repetition

ExampleExplanation
“‘I’m not a girl, I’m not a girl,’ Bone repeated, trying to assert her identity.”Emphasizes Bone’s struggle with her sense of self.
“‘It’s not right, it’s not right,’ Anney murmured over and over.”Reinforces the sense of injustice and emotional turmoil.
“‘We’re family, we’re family,’ the relatives chanted at every gathering.”Highlights the importance of family loyalty and the pressure to conform.

FAQs

What is the main theme of Bastard Out of Carolina?

The main theme is the impact of abuse and trauma on individuals and families, exploring how these experiences shape the characters’ lives and relationships.

How does Dorothy Allison use symbolism in the novel?

Allison uses symbols such as Bone’s name, the family home, and Glen’s car to represent deeper meanings related to the characters’ struggles, power dynamics, and the overall atmosphere of the novel.

What is the significance of Bone’s character development in the story?

Bone’s development is crucial as it illustrates her journey from a vulnerable child to a more self-aware individual, reflecting her resilience and growth amidst severe adversity.

How does the setting influence the plot of the novel?

The rural Southern setting amplifies the themes of poverty and abuse, providing a backdrop that reflects the socio-economic challenges and personal struggles faced by the characters.

What role does Anney play in the novel’s exploration of family dynamics?

Anney’s character highlights the complexities of familial loyalty and the difficulties of balancing personal happiness with the well-being of her children, especially in the face of abuse.


Quiz

QuestionABCD
What is the primary setting of Bastard Out of Carolina?Urban cityRural SouthSuburban neighborhoodCoastal town
Who is Bone’s abusive stepfather?Uncle DaddyGlen WaddellAnney BoatwrightRuth Anne Boatwright
What is a major theme in the novel?Technology and progressFamily loyaltyAdventure and discoveryRomance
Which literary device is used to provide a vivid description of Bone’s world?FlashbackImageryIronyDialogue
How does Glen’s character contribute to the novel’s tension?By being supportiveBy providing stabilityBy being abusiveBy being a mediator

Exercise

Identify the literary devices used in the following excerpt from Bastard Out of Carolina:

“The old house stood like a forgotten relic of a past that would never return. Bone could hear the creak of its wooden bones, feeling the weight of the memories it held. Glen’s presence was a shadow that lingered long after he had left, a constant reminder of the darkness that pervaded their lives.”

Answers

  1. Imagery: The description of the house as a “forgotten relic” and the “creak of its wooden bones” creates a vivid image of the setting and its emotional significance.
  2. Personification: The house is described as having “bones” and “creaking,” giving it human-like qualities to emphasize its age and the emotional weight it carries.
  3. Symbolism: The house symbolizes the family’s past and the lingering impact of their experiences, while Glen’s presence as a “shadow” represents the ongoing influence of his abuse.
Index