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Questions and Answers
Describe Abel as he appears throughout the chapter.
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?
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?
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?
Why does Trevor compare Abel to a cobra?
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Why does Abel hit Patricia the first time?
Why does Abel hit Patricia the first time?
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What happened when Patricia tried to file domestic abuse charges against Abel?
What happened when Patricia tried to file domestic abuse charges against Abel?
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What is life like for Trevor when Abel and Patricia bought Mighty Mechanics?
What is life like for Trevor when Abel and Patricia bought Mighty Mechanics?
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Why did Abel hit Trevor the first time?
Why did Abel hit Trevor the first time?
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How many children does Patricia have with Abel?
How many children does Patricia have with Abel?
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What bold move does Patricia make when Abel hits her with a bicycle?
What bold move does Patricia make when Abel hits her with a bicycle?
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Why does Abel shoot Patricia in the head?
Why does Abel shoot Patricia in the head?
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What does Patricia's reaction to the shooting and her healing reveal about her?
What does Patricia's reaction to the shooting and her healing reveal about her?
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Why doesn't Abel go to jail for attempted murder?
Why doesn't Abel go to jail for attempted murder?
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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.
Studying That Suits You
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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.
