ABSTRACT
“Damn kid!” The huge man jumped to his feet, spilling the bottle of whisky he kept by him night and day. “I’ll teach you to talk back!” He threw the boy to the couch, pressing one knee on his chest. “Quit your crying! You baby!” The beating lasted long enough to knock the child unconscious. “There! Now you aren’t so smart, are you!” The man walked back to the table. He cursed at the sight of the spilled whisky. “See what you made me do!” He went to the kitchen and retrieved a half bottle he had left over from last night. He poured himself a glass. “C’mon, you baby! Get up! Start cleaning up around here!” But my father was too drunk to realize I was still unconscious ( Tyman, 1995, p. 7).
