Born a Crime Chapter 18 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Describe Abel as he appears throughout the chapter.

He is helpful and well-liked by people, he is patriarchal and gets angry and abusive and drinks a lot.

What is the difference in Abel's Tsong culture and Patricia's view of gender roles?

Tsong has patriarchal ways where men kill animals while women cook. Patricia is independent and prefers to talk as an equal and mock traditional roles.

What things does Abel change about Patricia's and Trevor's lives?

He makes the dogs go outside, he doesn't let Trevor visit his dad, he controls the cars, and doesn't let them be independent.

Why does Trevor compare Abel to a cobra?

He could be calm and still and then turn explosive and violent out of nowhere, his eyes turn red. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Abel hit Patricia the first time?

He got mad that she wasn't respecting him and she called him a child for always coming home from work drunk. Signup and view all the answers

What happened when Patricia tried to file domestic abuse charges against Abel?

They didn't let her, they said it was a family thing, and she wouldn't be able to take it back. Signup and view all the answers

What is life like for Trevor when Abel and Patricia bought Mighty Mechanics?

They lived in a garage, Trevor slept in a car, he had to eat caterpillars, and he was behind in school. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Abel hit Trevor the first time?

He forged his mom's signature on a school document when he was in Grade 6 at Maryvale. Signup and view all the answers

How many children does Patricia have with Abel?

Two younger sons (Andrew and Isaac). Signup and view all the answers

What bold move does Patricia make when Abel hits her with a bicycle?

She hired a contractor to build a shanty in the backyard for her to live in. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Abel shoot Patricia in the head?

Because he was very sad and unhappy. Signup and view all the answers

What does Patricia's reaction to the shooting and her healing reveal about her?

She is strong and perseverant, and she also has courage. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Abel go to jail for attempted murder?

He says he couldn't earn money to support his kids. He got three years of probation, and he also has a good lawyer. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Abel's Character

Initially portrayed as helpful and well-liked but exhibits patriarchal traits, leading to anger, abuse, and heavy drinking.
His demeanor fluctuates between calmness and sudden, violent explosions, akin to a cobra.

Gender Roles

Tsong culture enforces traditional patriarchal roles: men are the hunters, women are the caretakers in the kitchen.
Patricia rejects these norms, embracing independence and engaging in equal conversations, often mocking traditional views.

Impact on Lives

Abel exerts control, changing daily life for Patricia and Trevor:
- Restricts Trevor's independence by preventing visits to his father.
- Takes charge of their vehicles and insists on keeping dogs outside.

Abuse and Control

Abel's first act of violence toward Patricia occurs when he feels disrespected over his drinking habits and potential household hazards.
Domestic abuse charges filed by Patricia are dismissed by authorities, labeling it a family matter.

Trevor's Struggles

Living conditions deteriorate after Abel and Patricia purchase Mighty Mechanics:
- They reside in a garage with Trevor sleeping in a car, often eating caterpillars.
- Trevor also falls behind in school due to these circumstances.

Family Dynamics

Abel strikes Trevor following a forged signature incident, illustrating a pattern of abuse.
Patricia bears two sons, Andrew and Isaac, with Abel.

Patricia's Resilience

After Abel attacks her with a bicycle, Patricia makes a decisive move by hiring a contractor to build a separate living space in the backyard.

The Shooting Incident

Abel's shooting of Patricia stems from profound sadness and unhappiness.
Patricia's reaction to the shooting reveals her strength, perseverance, and courage during recovery.

Legal Outcomes

Abel avoids jail time for attempted murder by claiming financial strain and receiving a lenient legal outcome of three years probation, aided by a good lawyer.

Description

Dive into Chapter 18 of 'Born a Crime' with these flashcards that explore the complex character of Abel and the contrasting views on gender roles between Tsong culture and Patricia's independence. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of key concepts and character dynamics within the chapter.