Here are some key vocabulary themes and specific words:
Physical and Emotional Abuse:
* Physical violence: beatings, bruises, cuts, wounds, pain, torture, starvation, deprivation, confinement
* Emotional abuse: neglect, isolation, manipulation, humiliation, fear, terror, despair, loneliness, worthlessness, brokenness
* Psychological trauma: dissociation, amnesia, PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation
Survival and Resilience:
* Hope: a glimmer, a flicker, a tiny spark, a dream
* Strength: willpower, determination, perseverance, endurance, courage
* Love: a fleeting moment, a kindness, a connection, a memory
* Escape: freedom, independence, a new life
Specific Words and Phrases:
* "It": Dave refers to himself as "It" throughout the book, emphasizing his dehumanization.
* "The Punishment": A recurring phrase signifying the routine abuse inflicted upon him.
* "The Cage": Represents his home and his confinement within it.
* "The Monster": Dave's term for his mother, who is both literally and figuratively monstrous in his eyes.
* "The System": Represents the social services and institutions that failed to protect him.
Literary Devices:
* Imagery: vivid descriptions of pain, hunger, and fear.
* Symbolism: "It," "The Punishment," "The Cage" all hold deeper symbolic meanings.
* Figurative language: metaphors, similes, personification are used sparingly but powerfully.
Important Note:
This is just a glimpse into the vocabulary of "A Child Called It." The full impact of the book comes from the emotional resonance of the words and the raw, unflinching account of Dave's experiences. The book uses language to expose the horrors of child abuse and the enduring strength of the human spirit.