Chapter 3, Bad Boy Summary and Analysis

Dave had a voice that carried further than most children's when he was a small child and had the unfortunate luck of getting caught every time he chose to do something wrong. Mother began by disciplining Dave in ways other mothers might, by putting him in a corner of his bedroom. This began to change, however, as Mother's behavior began to change. Mother began spending the majority of her day on the couch watching television when Father was not home, neither bothering with her clothing or makeup. Mother also spent a great deal of time drinking. When putting Dave in the corner no longer appeared to work, Mother started the mirror treatment. Mother would force Dave to stare at himself in the mirror and say over and over, I'm a bad boy! Then, Dave would have to...