The Effects of Abuse

The twins are a prime example of this theme though perhaps not the most important example in the story. The twins were undoubtedly abused by Bud. Though the abuse is not detailed, it seems likely that it was sexual in nature. Lily arrives home early one day to discover Bud alone with the children and immediately launches into threats to kill him. When the twins are with Luce, she reads their actions when they're frustrated or mad but say those screaming fits are nothing compared to the way the children withdraw when she undresses them for a bath. Luce wants to know if the twins can be "fixed," and poses that question to some teachers. They assure her the twins will never completely overcome the effects of the abuse.

Another important example of this theme is seen in the lives of Luce and Lily. Luce...