title

Though the short story "Trauma Plate" has a number of social dialogues running through it, the most interesting by far is that of the dissolution of the family. Within the context of the narratives, given by the constituent members of said family, we find a story of weakening bonds and apathy.

Jane is the easiest to pick out in this regard, her narrative full of only regret. Her jealousy of her daughter and contempt for her husband are only the beginning. When she wanders into the Armour Emporium, obviously not the first time, she is committing a betrayal to her family and the bond they share. While not cheating sexually on her husband, she commits an emotional infidelity that is equally as adherent. It's clear by the language she uses when talking about her husband (intercourse is "fine with her") that she's going through the motions while avoiding the break which might bring her happiness or fully participating in the family. Even her daughter believes she "checked out."

Concerning Ruthie, she feels little or no connection to her parents at all. Since twelve, she's been hanging out in an abandoned Kmart doing basically whatever she felt. As the situation worsens, she only plans for escape. This disinterest isn't so harmful, as she never engaged enough to disengaged.

Bill may be the most pitiful, dutifully, in every permutation of the story, trying to construct the emotional bonds necessary to build an working family. He also the only one to think protectively about others, worrying about his daughter and her protection, or trying to cheer up his wife. But through his effort, he is the one the story mocks, the cuckold and the dreamer. All he does is futile against the future, the closing of his shop, the wife who will drift, the daughter who will leave for California. He even seems to know his actions are futile and ridiculous, but why does he do them? Some precieved obligation? Macho determinism? nothing else to do? When there is nothing to fight for, why fight?