The Cycle of Abuse

One of the central questions posed by the novel is whether the boy will be able to overcome his abusive, immoral childhood and mature into a kind, nonviolent adult, thus overcoming the cycle of abuse in which victim evolves into abuser. Though Carrasco emphasizes the difficulty of this transformation, the boy ultimately succeeds through arduous internal work.

When the boy sets out on his journey, a life as a victim or almost certain death are the only futures he can possibly imagine for himself; however, as he overcomes various obstacles, he begins to develop a sense of agency. The reader sees his character develop as he becomes tougher, both physically and mentally. Yet with this new power comes a desire to exercise it over those who are weaker than him. After so many years of victimhood, this is understandable, yet by taking his...