The Effect of Bobbie Allen and Joe Christmas's Alienation Anonymous 12th Grade

Joe Christmas is a walking contradiction in the Southern society in which he resides. Throughout Light in August, central character Joe Christmas experiences many factors that contribute to his inability to form substantial relationships with other characters. Joe’s childhood in the orphanage and living with the McEachern’s has negative psychological effects on his interpersonal skills; however, Joe’s relationship with Bobbie is the most detrimental factor to his ability to form bonds with familial figures. Prior to meeting Bobbie, Joe develops an unstable relationship with Mr. McEachern; his strict enforcement of rules forces Joe to remain docile despite his attempts to rebel. As Bobbie and Joe’s relationship develops, Bobbie’s attentiveness blinds Joe, leading him to defy Mr. and Mrs. McEachern. Although Joe betrays those who care for him to satisfy Bobbie, Joe’s singular attempt at forming a significant bond backfires, leaving detrimental effects in its wake. Joe Christmas’s influential relationship with Bobbie Allen is the critical period which represents his inability to connect with familial figures.

Because of Joe Christmas’s family history, or lack thereof, his unorthodox behavior towards relationships is in conflict...