The Tragedy of Victimization in “The Girl Next Door”
1. Introduction
The thing about a victim that is tragic is in each is a penchant to victimize. Subtly, in “The Girl Next Door,” David Sedaris shows this to his readers. The girl next door, nine-year-old Brandi, is neglected by her mother. She is left to fend for herself and often comes to David’s home for food or shelter. At first, he tries to help her, but as time goes on, he realizes that she is a victimizer as well. She uses her victim status to control those around her.
2. The Girl Next Door
Brandi is the nine-year-old girl who lived next door to David when he was growing up. Her mother was neglectful and often left her alone. As a result, she would come over to David’s house for food or to use the bathroom. She was a victim of child neglect.
3. Victimization
Victimization is the act of making someone else a victim. In this case, Brandi uses her victim status to control those around her. She knows that she can get what she wants from people if she plays the victim card.
4. Child Neglect
Child neglect is a form of child abuse in which the parent or caregiver fails to provide the child with basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, medical care, or supervision. Brandi’s mother neglected her by leaving her alone for long periods of time. As a result, Brandi often came to David’s house for help.
5. Brandi’s Mother
Brandi’s mother was neglectful and often left her alone. As a result, Brandi would come over to David’s house for food or to use the bathroom. She was a victim of child neglect.
6. Overbearing
Overbearing is when someone is demanding or excessively forceful. Brandi’s mother was overbearing in her demands for attention from her daughter. She wanted Brandi to be perfect and would often criticize her harshly.
7. Neglectful
Neglectful is when someone fails to take care of someone or something properly. Brandi’s mother neglected her by leaving her alone for long periods of time. As a result, Brandi often came to David’s house for help.
8. Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Girl Next Door” by David Sedaris is a story about the tragedy of victimization. Brandi is a victim of child neglect and she uses her victim status to control those around her.