Bastard Out of Carolina Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 16 Summary

Chapter 16 Summary

The next day after the break-in, Bone is tired and expects someone to confront her, but no one does. Instead, she learns that Aunt Ruth died that morning. Mama talks to Bone about how Ruth was never pretty, and Alma had been striking. She also says that Ruth practically raised her, since Granny was always running after the boys or Aunt Alma. She recalls how Aunt Ruth had been so happy when she learned she was pregnant because it meant that at least one man thought she was pretty. Mama was angry with her for talking like that because it made it seem that Mama's love didn't mean anything to Ruth. Bone can relate to Ruth, because Bone wants to be pretty, too. Mama asks if Bone loved Ruth, and Bone nods yes. Mama hugs Bone and says she wishes that Ruth could know how beautiful she had been.

Chapter 16 Analysis

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