Unconventional Caretaking in Winter's Bone

In Winter’s Bone, author Daniel Woodrell wastes no time introducing the reader to the chaotic Ozarks. With a mentally ill mother and a meth-cooking father, sixteen-year-old Ree is tasked with being the primary caretaker and parental figure in the Dolly household. However, her skills are not usually evident in a stereotypical mother.

The surprise visitation of officer Baskins is first met with annoyance by Ree. As officer Baskins seeks out her mother, Ree attempts to dissuade him, “‘I got to talk with your momma.’ ‘She ain’t in the mood’’(Woodrell 12). Ree understands that her mother is in no place to have a stable conversation with her and certainly not a police officer. Unfortunately, officer Baskins still endures the catatonic commentary of her mother, “‘You can’t bust a girl in her own daddy’s house’...Ree watched Baskin’s face spin through reactions, brief alarm, then confusion, sadness, resignation, pity” (Woodrell 13). Baskins now has the full scope of the situation. A dysfunctional mentally-ill mother and grave news to deliver to no fully-functioning adult. Nonetheless, Ree assumes the caretaker role and maturely states, “Just tell me” (Woodrell 13). Ree’s blunt answer is one of immediate reaction. She knows that she is the only one that can assume some kind of responsibility for whatever officer Baskin announces to her. Woodrell made sure to emphasize  Ree’s role by introducing the chapter with a very non-stereotypical scene of a woman, with teenage Ree swinging an axe and chopping wood, an often male-dominated task. He even describes her swings as “practiced and powerful”, emphasizing her frequency and proficiency in doing this task. 

Ree’s unorthodox caretaking is ever-present as the book progresses, with shooting lessons for Sonny and Harold being next on the agenda. Her role as a parental figure expands to protector as she states, “I wasn’t sure just when you boys’d need to know about shootin’, but I think maybe now it’s time you do” (Woodrell 78). Ree’s unconventional approach to protection is out of a desire to care for them and keep them safe. She specifically uses the word “need” as if it was only a matter of time before she would show them how to protect themselves. As Ree beckons the boys outside, she warns them about picking the proper targets, “No bottles. The glass’ll wash down to the yard in spring’n I’ll be doctorin’ your feet all goddamn summer” (Woodrell 79). Although a passing thought for Ree, her advice is very maternal in nature. The unconscious caretaking of the boys is assertive, but out of unconditional love for them. Also, it is to be noted that she mentions that she will be “doctorin’” their feet all summer. This is a reminder that she not is only the boys’ primary parental figure but also their only caretaker. 

Ree’s unlikely role as a primary caretaker is brought upon by her unfortunate circumstances at her home. However, she takes this role in stride. She is able to display that she is mature enough to hear the news of her father’s decision to put their home up for collateral but also caring enough to show her brothers how to protect themselves when necessary. Her parental role is not stereotypical and reinforces her strength as the adaptive heroine of Winter's Bone.