Meaning of the Work as a Whole

After another busy portion of reading, I have finally finished Rule of the Bone. In this section, Bone temporarily mends his relationship with his father. However, quickly the relationship once again becomes unstable and Bone leaves his father's residence (known as the Mothership). Additionally, and unfortunately, Bone's father-figure (I-Man) is killed.

In my last post, I expressed that I believe the book has a lack of meaning. However, I was timid as I wanted to see what was to come. Now, after finishing the whole novel, I still do believe it has a lack of meaning. In comparison to other novels we have read I do not believe Rule of the Bone is as complex or significant as they are.

That said, it is still important to evaluate the meaning of the work as a whole. Similar to Song of Solomon, this is a coming of age novel that follows the journey of a fourteen year old boy. Banks' uses Bone's journey to develop the meaning of the novel. Additionally, the use of a modern setting allows the reader to better connect and makes the message more relevant to todays readers.

A main theme in the novel is abandonment and I believe Banks' message to readers that your reliance can come from anyone. Bone tries to build a stable relationship with his parents countless times. In the beginning of the novel, Bone actually says, "My mother who was like my best friend" (2). However, just days later after he leaves the house because he, his mother, and his step-father constantly fought. Then, after Russ left him, Bone returned to his mom to try and build their relationship again. However, things did not go well. They quickly argue, Bone shouts, "Nothing's changed! And it never will! Nothing!" (205).

This shows that Bone consistently tries to build a relationship with the same people. Similar to his encounters with his mother, Bone tries to build a relationship with his father in Jamaica multiple times but it always fails. On the other hand, Bone runs into a completely stranger on a run down bus and they end up having an incredible relationship. The day they meet Bone states, "I knew that I had met the man who would become my best friend" (151). Sure enough, they become best friends and stick by each other's sides through thick and thin.

To do so, he uses a coming of age novel with a theme of abandonment. Throughout Bone's journey many friends and family members go in and out of his life. His partner in crime ditches him, his father threatens to kill his best friend, and his mother refuses to take him in. In the long run, the one who helps him the most and becomes his closest friend, is a Rastafarian man from Jamaica, whom Bone shares very little in common with. Banks' overall message to reader in the novel is that friendship and healthy relationships can come from anyone.