There are many ways to express one’s feelings and love towards others- as is evident in the novel Winter’s Bone by Daniel Woodrell. Ree Dolly, the main character of the book, shows her love differently based on who she is interacting with. Towards her brothers and her mom, she is oftentimes the parental figure. She shows how much she cares for them by nurturing them and attempting to break the cycle of drug abuse and violence in order for her brothers to live a good life and takes care of her mentally ill mother. Ree displays this by teaching her brothers, Sonny and Harold, how to shoot, skin animals, and how to take care of themselves once she is not with them. For example, after witnessing the issues in her community, Ree takes the boys to learn how to shoot and tells the boys “Now’s when you boys start learnin’ how to shoot guns at what needs shootin’,” (Woodrell 78). Although she can seem cold and distant at times, when it really matters she is always there for her family.
Not only does Ree show her love for her brothers, she consistently shows her love for Gail, in a much different way. Although there are times when their relationship is nurturing for one another, oftentimes Ree and Gail’s relationship is much more equal and balanced. It is evident that when they are together they feel comfortable enough to relax and be their authentic selves. Ree takes care of Gail by supporting her through her tumultuous marriage with Floyd. Even though Ree knows there is nothing she can say or do to make Gail leave Floyd, she is still by Gail’s side whenever she needs her.
Ree Dolly is a complex character who has much versatility in her relationships and how she shows her affection. This makes her a more realistic and relatable character in the novel and aids the story’s development. Her character successfully displays to the audience the different ways one can show love to people who are important to them.
The relationships and interactions in this novel are significant. As you pointed out, Ree shows her love differently for each of her loved ones. The most significant and odd relationship that stood out to me is Ree and Teardrops. At the beginning of the novel, the readers see Teardrop as the terrifying, roughened uncle. In their first interaction, he threatens her and almost lays hands on her, "Teardrop raised her hand and drew it back to smack her and let fly but diverted the smacking hand inches from Ree's face to the nut bowl" (Woodrell 25). This scene shows how their relationship isn't the typical uncle and niece relationship, rather she must obey what her uncle tells her. However, Ree goes against her uncle's wishes and snoops around, getting herself beaten by Mrs. Thump. This reveals a softer side of Teardrop, as he saves Ree and states, "'If she does wrong, you can put it on me"' (Woodrell 137). He is willing to take the blame for Ree and protect her against the Miltons. As the story progresses, Teardrop becomes a great character, as he protects Ree and her family. Behind his tattoos and hard appearance, he loves Ree and will do anything for her.
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