Essay Questions

Sexual abuse emerges as one of the main themes in the novel. Explain how Ellen Hopkins explores the issue of sexual assault.

Ellen Hopkins keenly explores the link between sexual addiction and sexual abuse. The novel's protagonist, Kristina, is a victim of drug abuse and sexual assault. Hopkins shows how drug addiction can make someone vulnerable to sexual abuse. For instance, men take advantage of Kristina because she is not mentally stable to make independent decisions. Kristina thinks every man who approaches her has good intentions, but they end up assaulting her sexually. In one incident, Kristina discovers that she is pregnant after being raped.

What pushes Kristina into drug addiction?

Kristina is initially introduced as a high-achieving girl focused on excelling in life. Kristina lives with her mother after her mother divorced her husband. However, Kristina has always wanted to visit her estranged stepfather. However, Kristina is disappointed after meeting her father, who disowns her the first day they meet. Kristina feels disappointed and neglected, and she finds solace in drugs. Kristina thinks she can only keep herself preoccupied by using drugs and engaging in sexual relationships.

Why is the author arguing that one should never anticipate using drugs in his lifetime?

Throughout the novel, Ellen Hopkins shows readers that getting into drugs is easy, but quitting is a nightmare. Hopkins uses Kristina as an illustration of a life destroyed by drug addiction. Kristina does everything to quit drugs, but the urge to return to drugs outweighs her desire to leave. Kristina finds it possible to decide to maintain her unwanted pregnancy, but she finds it impossible to quit drugs. Regardless of knowing the dire consequences of drug addiction, Kristina finds it difficult to quit her habit and continues to abuse drugs. Therefore, Hopkins urges readers not to get involved in drug addiction because quitting is the toughest hurdle they will encounter in their lifetime.