Domestic Violence and the Cycle of Abuse

The novel examines domestic violence through Jack's abuse of his family and his own abusive childhood.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Broken Arm

The First Act The Incident Jack broke Danny's arm in a fit of rage. This is a clear act of domestic violence. The Guilt Jack feels guilty, but the pattern is set. He has become his father. The Fear Wendy and Danny live in fear of Jack's temper. The family is damaged.

The Slap

The Repetition The Violence Returns Jack slaps Danny during an argument. The cycle of abuse continues. The Justification Jack justifies the slap as discipline. He is repeating his father's behavior. The Escalation The violence escalates. The hotel encourages Jack's abusive tendencies.

The Attempted Murder

The Climax The Attack Jack tries to kill Wendy and Danny. The abuse reaches its peak. The Break Danny's words break the cycle. Jack chooses to die rather than continue. The Hope The cycle is broken. Danny and Wendy survive. The novel suggests that breaking the cycle is possible, but at great cost.

two years before, referenced

late November

December 2