How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
I lived in a world of shame. I hid my bruises as if they were evidence of crimes I had committed. I knew I was a sick disgusting person. I couldn't stop my stepfather from beating me, but I was the one who masturbated. I did that, and how could I explain to anyone that I hated being beaten but still masturbated to the story I told about myself? (8.45)
Bone harbors a lot of guilt, but what do we make of the fact that she's opening herself up like this to us? It's clear that her fantasies are part of the reason why she feels like she can't tell anyone about what Glen is doing: she feels that somehow she will also be implicated or even blamed for the whole thing. Why would she think that? Do you think that it is a realistic fear (especially given some of the things that Anney says to her after Glen beats her)?
Quote #5
"I have sinned," he'd say, and hold his hands out to me, beg my forgiveness and cry my name. Mama would say no. My aunts would say no. My uncles, Reese, the minister, everyone in the world would stand up and say no. But I would pull myself up from my sickbed. I would look right into his eyes, into the lamps of his soul.
Yes, I would say.
Yes. I forgive you.
Then probably I would die. (8.73-76)
Because Bone is the one who has actually been abused by Glen, she is the only one who can give him forgiveness, even if that forgiveness might kill her. Bone needs solidarity right now, which is part of why her fantasies include other people watching her as she gets beaten. Right now, her abuse is something that she can't talk about—and something she doesn't even know how to talk about. She wants people to know, and to feel outraged on her behalf. Also, this desire that she be the one to forgive Glen—and not anybody else—foreshadows some of the events that will happen later in the novel.
Quote #6
I'd said I could never hate her, but I hated her now for the way she held him, the way she stood there crying over him. Could she love me and still hold him like that? (20.113)
Good question, Bone. We're not going to pretend to have an answer, but the uncertainty here is kind of the point. How are we supposed to understand what is happening in this scene? Do we feel compelled to direct blame at someone? Do we feel angrier with Anney or Glen? Why?