Ordinary Hazards

Content Warning: The source text contains references to and descriptions of child abuse, substance use and addiction, sexual assault, and trauma. The text also contains outdated and stigmatizing language and descriptions surrounding mental health conditions. Additionally, this study guide quotes and obscures the author’s use of the n-word.

Locks and keys are recurring imagery in the book. They first appear when Nikki reflects on how life is full of “ordinary hazards,” referring to the locks and keys on closet doors. This signifies the neglect, abuse, and resultant trauma that Nikki experienced as a child, specifically when the “Demon” babysitter would lock her and Carol in the closet the entire day and Bernice wouldn’t believe them. A lock and key reference appears once again when Nikki checks the keyhole on her first night at the Buchanans’, terrified that she will be locked in at night; she is unable to sleep from fear of this for nights on end, initially.

The book derives its title from the first reference to locks and keys and is symbolic of how danger can come from places that are meant to be safe. A lock and a key are ordinary objects that are meant to keep one safe and secure; this is the expectation of a parent or a home as well.