Tragical death puts an end to family altercation

Verona City - What was planned to be a festive day for the Capulets, eventuated into a dreadful incident. Capulet had arranged for his daughter, Juliet, to be married to Paris. However, on the day of the wedding, Juliet was found to be dead on her bed. It was believed that she had died because she was in grief of her cousins death. But after police had made their investigation, and with the evidence of Friar Laurence, it was acknowledged that Juliet had drank a sleeping potion which only made her appear as if she was dead.

Juliet stabs herself after seeing Romeo is dead.

On the day Juliet was buried in her tomb, Romeo was on his way to Verona to see his wife because he had received the false information that Juliet was dead from Balthsar. However, before Romeo had reached the tomb, Paris arrived to see Juliet with his page. He told his page to warn him if anyone approached the graveyard. Just as Paris was spreading flowers on Juliet's tomb, his page whistled to warn him that someone was coming. Paris hid within the shadows as Romeo arrived with Balthasar to the graveyard. Romeo commaded Balthasar to leave because he did not want him to see what he was about to do. He threatened that if he tried to spy secretly, he would tear his limbs apart. Balthasar agreed to leave and in reward, received money from Romeo, However, frightened by the look on his face and doubtful of his intentions, Balthasar hid nearby. Paris realized that the stranger who had come to Juliet's tomb was a Montague - and the one who had killed Tybalt. Assuming that he had come to do something with the dead bodies, Paris jumped out of the shadows and threatened to kill Romeo. Romeo, who was already there to die, told Paris to go away because he was in a state of depression and might do something crazy. Paris refused to his request and furious Romeo, provoked him into a fight.

Romeo killed Paris and placed his body in Juliet's tomb. Then Romeo admired Juliet's face one more time before drinking his poison and falling dead. Once Friar Laurence made it to the tomb, expecting Romeo to be waiting for Juliet to wake up, he finds Paris killed and Romeo dead. At that moment, Juliet woke up and was in shock at what she saw. Friar Laurence heard someone and asked Juliet to leave the tomb with him. However, Juliet was too busy grieving for her husband. She was so upset that she took the knife Romeo used to kill Paris and stabbed herself just before three watchmen arrived. After taking one look at the chaotic scene, they decided they should call the Prince, the Capulets, and the Montagues so that they could investigate and discover the whole story. 

When everyone arrived, it was even more riotous, because everyone was shocked to see Romeo and Paris dead, and Juliet seemed to have died recently. The Prince questioned Friar Laurence and the page at what had happened. Friar Laurence explained that he had married Juliet and Romeo and when Juliet was arranged to marry Paris, she had come to him for help. Afraid that she would kill herself if he didn't assist her, she gave her a sleeping potion which if drunken, makes you appear as if you are dead. He explicated that Romeo had failed to receive the letter which indicated that he was to be at Juliet's tomb for when she woke up. He had tried to get to the tomb to keep Juliet in his cell and to later inform Romeo to meet her there, however he was too late. After the Prince listened to what Laurence had to say, he blamed the Montagues and Capulets for placing judgements on each other and creating such a silly family feud. He told them this was the result of their hatred for each other. The disastrous events that occured on October 15th in Verona City, was what it took for the Montagues and the Capulets to make peace. 

Citations:
"The Movies Part 2." Gayles Bard Blog. 15 December. 2009. 17 May. 2011.
<http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxkHiiQdIhdD1jw9rpF-Sg-KyX8sVrxMnn8kGLM_rniq_Sl38reb912GD99_0S6eqjwM9ZUpTIn-LOQvJAAdzvj4wCUTR_1Zy7URqjO8NUW2vgJ_4-sCD6r6WQYhJcWUENos9t-FLlSk/s320/juliet+stab.jpg&imgrefurl=http://gaylesbardblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/movies-part-2.html&usg=__GOelFv10jUrr1IFilnEKoSPf2W8=&h=234&w=320&sz=29&hl=en&start=0&sig2=_NopNVhUnIsPQd3P4ArGDA&zoom=1&tbnid=xEIJPGSFCjGiyM:&tbnh=149&tbnw=202&ei=323TTaSLGcSBgAfFtbgu&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dromeo%2Band%2Bjuliet%2Bdeath%2Bscene%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26gbv%3D2%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D949%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=351&sqi=2&page=1&ndsp=41&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:0&tx=121&ty=43>. 

Media Promotional Piece.

Video Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiEu7fK6YyM&feature=youtube_gdata



Bibliography
"The Second Trial by Rosemarie Boll."Midnight Bloom Reads. 26 Feb. 2011. 16 May. 2011
<http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZKrkSle_4_ogFCgMBskzB6tDqZB_rOQDzBv6G4lUjG4TnNpCMRNQ4Hu5SN90CfaAUUAMtMagrrEv5pnErVqXkX01d4Sx6thWssMxaZQxnSq8VI8TR7_4EJV4PZbg0oBVKWJn1HGCDGWC/s1600/The+Second+Trial+by+Rosemarie+Boll.jpg&imgrefurl=http://midnightbloomreads.blogspot.com/2011/02/second-trial-by-rosemarie-boll.html&usg=__38YE2oxa5KGvDpRtohqxVjlCwu4=&h=500&w=333&sz=43&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=zAnligt3mVe6oM:&tbnh=161&tbnw=126&ei=TubRTZW9BMnVgQf5_dXLCw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dthe%2Bsecond%2Btrial%2Brosemarie%2Bboll%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D949%26gbv%3D2%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=579&vpy=61&dur=72&hovh=275&hovw=183&tx=127&ty=125&page=1&ndsp=50&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0>.


Thomond, Christopher."What roles should teachers have in preventing domestic violence?"Motarboard Blog. 25 November. 2009. 16 May. 2011.
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"Dutch cities to break circle of domestic violence." Radio Netherlands Worldwide. 7 July. 2009. 16 May. 2011.
<http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.rnw.nl/data/files/images/lead/domestic-violence.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/dutch-cities-break-circle-domestic-violence&usg=__8tQOZMeg_hrx-VUyCfdL9FqWVww=&h=216&w=325&sz=10&hl=en&start=144&zoom=1&tbnid=I379KxOoP-DzHM:&tbnh=139&tbnw=186&ei=rujRTdjAE8H50gGI58TuCw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Ddomestic%2Babuse%26hl%3Den%26gbv%3D2%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D906%26tbm%3Disch0%2C2431&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=326&page=4&ndsp=45&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:144&tx=122&ty=86&biw=1680&bih=906>.


"Alone Boy." Moible. 17 Jan. 2009. 16 May. 2011.
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"Shairy for love and life." 19 September. 2009. 16 May. 2011
<http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Em2FpgfhiFZrlz47pY6VdVDU7rac2CrxT8xhNkQK3rjo2Ei7RVjr-uTxazPFqfuMqPxfpUPIoGLjQ_wbFkRYEe4LnULRXWUHOqNW4nTW_jZNpC5j6HUXPryPTRMWJCH5X7y4GFjkJoA/s1600/cry-boy-solitude-alone.jpg&imgrefurl=http://shairyforlove.blogspot.com/2010/12/i-love-you-kanchan.html&usg=__Adj58yNxBJSjrgNoUK9raTro4M0=&h=400&w=300&sz=30&hl=en&start=0&sig2=qY0RE-rJKIIOUjnV_qqu6Q&zoom=1&tbnid=yjCqSVSp_KfJdM:&tbnh=144&tbnw=110&ei=-vTRTfOxO8rb0QGvmaDDCw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dalone%2Bboy%2Bin%2Blove%26hl%3Den%26gbv%3D2%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D906%26output%3Dimages_json%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=310&page=1&ndsp=57&ved=1t:429,r:14,s:0&tx=41&ty=88>.


"Emo Boy." Gabrielle Giffords Blogspot. 14 August. 2010. 16 May. 2011
<http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW250y3RFKNALGStfcA-k5GKLzQggEMv049izMcToRdrUhBVRETjwQFJD7AJPmDE-bQUdsJQRfE_Ees-brrdLaLBCIiP52TLs86GIIhqm5LcoyiLGxAaMoGl88QMoFTkCihvgvCp5MMXmP/s400/alone_emo_boy.jpg&imgrefurl=http://gabriellesgiffords.blogspot.com/2009/07/emo-wallpaper-for-boys.html&usg=__y0fwnDLZHG0TktqBVcjOCZpOtsQ=&h=320&w=400&sz=17&hl=en&start=0&sig2=XHXr1FNL9ikIne1dNDBsYQ&zoom=1&tbnid=f6K22mUgGDu1YM:&tbnh=137&tbnw=168&ei=JP3RTdC1FsHo0QHN1oCVDA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dalone%2Bboy%26hl%3Den%26gbv%3D2%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D906%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=469&vpy=108&dur=28&hovh=201&hovw=251&tx=118&ty=110&page=1&ndsp=60&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0>.


"Alone." Administrator Page. 16 May. 2011.
<http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.frammenti1989.eu/admin/pic/Alone_Boy.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.frammenti1989.eu/admin/aboutmy.html&usg=__tM5L9tPMSYS5nP_D7Us72WReFC0=&h=320&w=240&sz=25&hl=en&start=0&sig2=O3jcG0_0NPfmcHfZG0l5Bg&zoom=1&tbnid=2ZL0H-4K5yAlpM:&tbnh=137&tbnw=110&ei=PgDSTfiXLojGgAeMm8jKCw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dalone%2Bboy%26hl%3Den%26gbv%3D2%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D906%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=469&vpy=238&dur=137&hovh=256&hovw=192&tx=104&ty=131&page=1&ndsp=61&ved=1t:429,r:15,s:0>.


"The Day I lost you." Emotions are only emotions. 18 May. 2010. 16 May. 2011.
<http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeehZeVc3oxCJ7ZftfqES3B2rDB6SNpq_XrL8p5MeOLM2ziXN1Q5BIdA8u1AnXUynwQGzwg0KmApYp1ZUAaxPzHg9om1qt-kFLnR5dliJqiCKZcGSy8jU5-EQ7R-aICzM0ChigQMioZ0l/s320/Alone_Boy.jpg&imgrefurl=http://luckyless-love.blogspot.com/2010/05/day-i-lost-u.html&usg=__lr-e_Qw6cu2MuB2ISCQ7HJMtZZw=&h=320&w=240&sz=23&hl=en&start=0&sig2=f1qdWAt5iigNt0cFks8_Vg&zoom=1&tbnid=n-SzHIbQ_2lUQM:&tbnh=137&tbnw=103&ei=PgDSTfiXLojGgAeMm8jKCw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dalone%2Bboy%26hl%3Den%26gbv%3D2%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D906%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=244&vpy=241&dur=278&hovh=137&hovw=103&tx=76&ty=179&page=1&ndsp=61&ved=1t:429,r:13,s:0>.

Contemporary Relevence.

One key issue that was evidently explored in my book was the issue of domestic violence and how it affects the children and teens in a household who witness it. In the past two decades, domestic violence has become more widespread amongst our society. Domestic violence has damaging and harmful effects on individuals and their families.

When infants, kids, or teenagers live with domestic violence, the impact of effect can be both visible on the outside and the inside where it's harder to see. When younger children are exposed to domestic violence in their homes, oftentimes, they don’t understand the meaning of the abuse they observe and tend to believe that they must have done something wrong. Self-blame can lead to feelings of guilt, worry, and anxiety. Children normally, don't have the ability to express their feelings verbally. Consequently, the symptoms of these emotions become behavioural. Children may become withdrawn, non-verbal, and show signs of behaviour such as clinging and whining. Eating and sleeping difficulty, concentration problems, and physical pain such as headaches are common.

Unlike younger children, teenagers have a greater ability to exhibit negative emotions and verbalize. In addition to symptoms commonly seen with child hood behaviour, such as sleep problems and eating disturbance, victims within this age group may show a loss of interest in social activities, avoidance of peers, rebellious behaviour in school and low self-conception. It is also normal for the teenager to have temper tantrums, irritability, frequent fighting at school or between siblings with violence, and attempts to gain attention through physical abuse against peers and/or family members. Adolescents are at risk of academic failure, school drop-out, and substance abuse. It is more likely for girls to withdraw themselves and unfortunately, run the risk of not being able to get help as a child in need of support.

This information relates to my book in many ways. When Danny's mother was physically abused, out of both children in the family, Danny was effected the most. Many of the symptoms listed above were the exact same ways Danny expressed his negative emotions. One thing in common was that he showed a loss of interest in school. He used to be getting good grades in his old school, and participated in a lot of teams and clubs. Ever since his father's trial Danny stopped doing his homework, and simply stopped caring about his schoolwork. Another thing in common was that he showed his anger by frequently fighting with his mother. He constantly blamed his mother for the way he life had changed, and lashed out at her whenever he was angry. Danny also turned to alcohol and smoking when he was going through a hard time. He hung out with the wrong group of friends and became caught onto bad behaviours.

When you witness domestic violence in your home, it can change you into a totally different person. You'll find yourself keeping more to yourself, avoiding others, and you turn into a more violent person. In order to get your life back on track, you need to get help. You can get help by calling kids help phone, 1-800-668-6868, and talk to a counsellor about your problems. All it takes is one phone call to help you be a better person again.


Bibliography
"Children and Domestic Violence." Centre for children and families in the justice system. March. 2011. 16 May. 2011.
<http://www.lfcc.on.ca/children_exposed_to_domestic_violence.html>. 


Volpe, Joseph S. "Effects of Domestic Violence on Children and Adolescents." American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. May 2001. 16 May. 2011. 
<http://www.aaets.org/arts/art8.htm>. 

Questioning & Critical Thinking.

1. What do you think the authour's purpose was when he made the reader believe that the Judge was leaning towards a big punishment for Paul towards the beginning of his verdict but then ended it off with a light sentence, stating there wasn't enough evidence?

2. If you were Danny, do you think you would have been angry at your mother for how things had turned out? Why or why not?

3. What do you feel would've been a good way for Danny to take out his anger of all the changes that have happened in his life instead of lashing out at his mother?


4. Do you honestly believe Catherine's husband, Paul, would have stopped abusing her? If you were in her situation, would you have forgiven him and given him another chance?

5. In the text, quotes Dr. Hamilton had said about Danny's father had been repeatedly flowing through Danny's head. "He's a bully. He's a dangerous man. He's like a spider. We're in the category of homicide prevention. My gut tells me Mr. McMillan is one of the most dangerous men I have ever met." How do you think Danny felt when he heard such cruel words about his father?

6. Why do you think it was so hard for Danny to accept the fact that his father was abusing his mother?

7. Do you think Danny's mother could have faced the problem with a better solution instead of changing her identity and moving away? If so, what solution do you suggest?

8. Do you believe the results of physical abuse portrayed in this book are similar to physical abuse in families today? How?

9. Exaplin why Danny's mother would feel the Canadian legal justice system failed to protect her and her family when she finally had the courage to speak up. Relate to a real situation in which the legal justice system failed to give a criminal an appropraite punishment.

10. When Danny's father, Paul, had gotten away with a light sentence of 14 months in jail, he locked eyes with his wife and sneered his lips. What do you think this facial expression indicated?

Most Memorable Moment.

Within this book, there were a variety of moments that occurred which had caught my attention. Most of these intriguing events were those that stirred my emotions. There were moments when I literally wanted to throw the book at the wall, and moments when I started smiling to myself. However, one emotional connection between Danny and his mother enraptured me the most.

Danny's mother, Catherine, was suffering years of physical abuse by her husband, Paul. Danny finds himself in court as his mother fights to have his father kept in jail to keep the family safe. So when his father receives a light sentence, Danny, his younger sister, and his mother enter into a victim protection program to retrieve new identities and a new home... fearing for their lives.

When Danny's life suddenly changed immensely, he didn't know how to cope with things. He was torn between believing his mother who was abused by her father for many years or his father who he looked up to as a role model. Being only 13 years old, he wasn't quite old enough to recognize the seriousness of the situation or the amount of distress his mother was facing. He didn't entirely believe his father could be so perilous and is furious at the way his life changed so much in so little time. He started to withdraw himself from others and became less sociable. He also began to lash out at his mother. It was frustrating because it does seem natural that any child wouldn't know how to manage all the stress, however I was still really disappointed with many of the choices he made.

Whenever Danny's mother tried to be there for him and help him understand that his life had changed for the best, Danny just wouldn't listen. It was hard for him to believe that putting his father in jail and hiding from him was “doing the right thing.” It was upsetting to see that his mother and his younger sister both were putting in so much effort to fix their lives, even with Danny's lack of cooperation.

This is why when Danny and his mother had a heart to heart conversation, it really made me feel happy. Danny was visiting a counsel to talk about why he was making poor decisions and not trying in school. As the counsellor interrogates him and gives Danny questions to think about, it becomes obvious that Danny's counsellor knows about their secret identities and how they had moved to Winnipeg because of Paul. When Danny asked his mother why she had told him, she said it was because she didn't want to lose him. She explained that she had spent so many years lying about his father that it had almost killed her. She didn't want the same thing to happen to him. Danny couldn't stop lying to himself about his father and he was also beginning to make poor choices to deal with the situation. He was stealing, smoking, drinking, and bullying. She said if she hadn't done anything, the lies might have killed him, too. She knew telling the counsellor was putting their family's lives at risk, but she decided it was worth it.

When she explained this to her son, it truly made me understand what a wonderful mother she was. She knew telling someone their family secret could put their safety at risk, but she did it anyways for Danny. She knew she couldn't communicate with Danny about his problems because he wouldn't open up to her, so she sought for other ways to help him instead.

Although the author of this book had done an excellent job to make moments that give the reader a diverse amount of emotions, this moment was the most noteworthy. This memorable moment taught me that there are certain sacrifices that are worth making for your loved ones.

Character Analysis.

Danny;

Your lawyer suggests you always did your best for your children, that you were a good father. Mr.McMillan, I utterly reject that suggestion. It is disgusting to me. How can you possibly believe that beating your wife and threatening to kill her is consistent with good parenting. Suppose your wife's fall down the stairs had turned out differently. Suppose the blow to her head had killed her instead of knocking her unconscious. Had that happened, Mr.McMillan, your child would be no better than orphans.[1]

I froze. Orphans? I could no longer take it. I couldn't sit here listening to these people talk about my father like that. The cruel things I'm hearing can't possibly be used to describe MY father. My father was never like that. I had so much fun with him. We used to do everything together and he never once showed any sign of aggression. I understand there was a possibility my mother could have died... but she didn't. He would never do that to her. He loves her. All families get into stupid fights. Dad promised he would never let that happen again. Please don't take my father away from me forever. Please.

The judge just continued talking. "...reckless, unconscionable, self-serving..." I couldn't seem to absorb the words through my skull. They just wouldn't go through. How could they possibly be talking about my father? This isn't the father I've known all my life. When my mother was reading her victim impact statement, I was appalled at how immoral my father's actions have been. It was all so unconvincing. What stunned me even more was that fact that my mother had been hiding a chunk of her life from my sister and me - from everyone. She didn't even tall her own parents. As she read on, revealing more and more secrets, I didn't want to hear anymore. However, I couldn't tear my eyes off my mother and I didn't dare glance at my father for fear of what I might see - that every word was true.

What happened to my parents? What happened to my family? What’s going to happen with my life? I was sitting on the bench of this court, watching my family shatter to pieces. As much as I am angry, I’m also worried – worried about my dad going to jail, worried that my mom isn’t going to be the strong, happy mom I always knew, and worried about myself, my life, and my future.

Quotes:

1. "My father's no mobster, he's not a - not some sort of pyscho who's going to kill Mom." [2]

This quote shows that Danny is a child with a lot of respect and trust for his father. He contionusly denies the fact that his father is a harmful man.

2."Don't cry. Why are you crying! Why is this all happening to me?" [3]

In the book, there were many things Danny had said which showed him as a bitter person. He constantly blamed his mother for things and frequently snapped at her, too. This quote exhibits Danny's sensitive side. Danny was thinking this quote in his head when he saw his mother break down in front of him. It shows that Danny can be a loving and caring son to for his mother despite all his hateful words.

3. "She sees I look like my dad, now that we're away from him.That's why she never laughs with me." [4]

I feel this quote shows the reader that Danny feels lonely. He believes that his mother doesn't laugh with him just because he looks like his father. Of course this isn't true, however Danny began assuming many things after his life changed tremendously.

Catherine;

 My legs are shaking as I sit here on this bench. Danny is sitting right beside, looking as calm as ever but I know inside he wants my comfort. He wants someone to tell him it’s all just a dream and it’s time to wake up now. But it’s not. I must confess the hidden truth I’ve been concealing from everyone. I’ve put up with this monster I call my husband for far too long.

How could I possibly comfort my son when I can’t even seem to comfort myself? My heart is racing. I pray to god this trial goes well and Paul gets put in jail for a very long time. If he gets out, I don’t think I’ll be able to protect myself and my children from him.

I’m going to up there today, and tell the Judge all the truths I’ve been hiding. I’d already hidden so much from everyone that it seemed impossible to confess but now I’m done with all the lies. I’m really sorry everything has come this far, but now I understand nothing is my fault. I could have told someone and left him sooner. I should have. But I was brainwashed and beaten, abused, and oppressed – caught in the trap of domestic violence.

I’m not dead yet. I’m ready to break free from my past. “I want a new life for me and my children – one in which I will forget to be afraid.” I know Paul will do everything in his power to stop me. If he’s released, he will try to reconcile with me. When I don’t, I seriously believe he will kill me. I know this is the truth. Paul has taken away my job, my happiness, my self-esteem. Please don’t let him take my life. 

Quotes:

1. "I am trying to be completely honest. I won't say Paul was always a bad man, because he wasn't. Not at first."  [5]

This quote shows that Catherine is an honest person. No matter how much she hated Paul for abusing her, she still claimed he wasn't always a bad man.

2. "You will not abuse me like your father did! Don't you ever treat me like this again!" [6]

Lately, Danny would yell at his mother, telling her that her plans for the future weren't right. Danny's mother never talked back. She would get emotional and take what her son said to her. This quote shows Catherine has some confidence and strength. She spent many years fearful of her husband as he abused her and she made it evident that she wouldn't let her son do the same to her.

3. "Davey-boy, it feels so good to be back working. Doing things for - and with other people. Getting ahead. Come along with us, Daivd. Let's be a family again." [7]

After Catherine had finally escaped her husband, she was ready to start a new life - one in which she wouldn't be afraid anymore. This quote shows that she had moved on from the past, and is ready to be a better and stronger woman. 




___________________________________________________________
[1] Rosemarie Boll, The Second Trial (Ontario:Toronto, 2010), 58. 
[2] Boll, 56.
[3] Boll, 79.
[4] Boll, 132.
[5] Boll, 244.
[6] Boll, 118.
[7] Boll, 265.

First Impressions

Even from reading only a couple chapters, the author has taught me a lot about the main character of this story. So far, the characters that have been introduced are Danny, Jenny, their mother, and their father. Out of all characters, Danny's younger sister, Jenny has been mentioned the least.

Reading the first two chapters made me realize that Danny is basically like any kid who faces abuse in their household. He wants to be normal. He wants to live a normal life. I noticed that Danny continuously tries to deny the fact that his mother is being abused. He doesn't want to have to think about it. Whenever he hears his dad screaming and threatening his mother, he brushes it off as if it's nothing big. In the text on page 22, it says, "Danny knew that his parents didn't get along, but that wasn't so unusual was it?  His friends' parents argued.  Some even divorced." He feels that just because his mom hasn't walked away from her husband yet, that things are okay. It's as if he is using any excuse to keep his father in the family.

I also believe that Danny feels lonely. After the tragic incident where Danny's father had pushed his mother down the stairs, Danny's father had gone to jail. "He couldn't understand why she [his mother] didn't seem to feel as alone without her husband ash he felt without his father. He wanted Dad back. He wanted things to be just the way he used to be," says the text. He has even went into his parents' room, and opened his father's drawers to see if his clothes were still there. When he saw them still there, he reassured himself that his mother was planning on letting his father come back. 

I also believe that the abuse his father has shown at home, and the loneliness Danny is facing has affected him. In the book, it stated that Danny would yell at his mother and that just about anything would make him angry. I think this is because he has been in an unhealthy environment - seeing his father yell at his mother all the time - for too long.