Bruiser

One motif of the text is the reference to Cody as a “rag doll.” As he is emotionally and physically beaten by Uncle Hoyt, Brewster continually tells him that he needs to become a “rag doll” —in essence allowing Hoyt to beat him without resistance. Cody practices this method as Hoyt beats him in the shed, “falling limp on the floor, pretending I got no bones. Pretending I got no flesh—just stuffing sewed up in cloth” (175). While this method is practical in that it allows Hoyt to get out his anger and reduces the risk of anything more dangerous happening to Cody—such as angering Hoyt more or receiving more damage in his effort to defend himself—it also holds a deeper meaning in the text for Cody’s character. While he becomes a “rag doll” as Hoyt beats him, he also is, in essence, a “rag doll” throughout the first part of the text in that he is unable to take action to protect himself or those he cares about. Because Brewster takes all of his negative emotions, Cody holds little fear of repercussions for his actions. This is reflective of the theme of Finding Emotional Balance. Cody’s lack of experience with negative emotions means he sometimes makes bad choices. As Cody holds onto his fear on the electrical tower, he makes the realization that fear can also have positive attributes, marking the first time that he is more than a “rag doll” in terms of his emotions. He now can grapple with all forms of emotions—positive and negative—and in doing so, he finds a degree of agency he previously lacked.