Early Stages:
* Isolation and Neglect: David is initially ignored and left to fend for himself, leading to feelings of loneliness and worthlessness.
* Verbal and Emotional Abuse: The verbal abuse starts subtly, with insults and belittlement, but it gradually intensifies, becoming more frequent and vicious.
* Physical Abuse: The first instances of physical abuse are relatively minor – slaps, shoves, and being forced to stand for hours on end. These acts are meant to break David's spirit and make him compliant.
Escalation and Dehumanization:
* Increased Physical Abuse: The physical abuse becomes more severe, involving beatings, burns, and deprivation of food and water. David is forced to perform humiliating tasks and is treated as a subhuman object.
* Psychological Manipulation: The abuse is strategically designed to break David's will and make him feel responsible for his mother's actions. He is constantly gaslighted and blamed for her anger and frustration.
* Isolation from the World: David is increasingly isolated from the outside world. He is not allowed to interact with other children or even go to school, which further exacerbates his sense of loneliness and despair.
Climax:
* The "Starvation Diet": David is put on a severely restrictive diet, leading to him being physically weak and malnourished. This act of extreme cruelty signifies the lowest point in his abuse.
* The "Food Stealing": The episode where David is forced to steal food to survive represents a turning point. It shows how desperate he has become and how his sense of morality has been eroded by the abuse.
The rising action of "A Child Called 'It'" is a slow burn, but it's incredibly impactful because it shows the gradual erosion of David's humanity and the terrible impact of sustained abuse. The rising tension and escalating severity of his suffering build to a climax that leaves the reader feeling horrified and desperate for David's escape.