Electric Outlets and Edges

Pattyn Scarlet Von Stratten, the eldest of seven daughters in a strict Mormon family, is haunted by a persistent urge to test boundaries—literal and figurative. From childhood, she's drawn to the edge: electrical outlets, busy streets, and the idea of letting go. These impulses are not just about self-destruction but a desperate longing to feel alive, to light up a room, to escape the suffocating roles prescribed to her. Pattyn's internal monologue is laced with questions about fate, God, and the possibility of freedom. Her story begins with a sense of being burned by the world and by her own desires, setting the stage for a journey defined by risk, rebellion, and the search for meaning beyond the confines of her family and faith.

Library Windows, Forbidden Books

The school library becomes Pattyn's refuge, a place where she can escape her chaotic home and the rigid expectations of her faith. Guided by the wise and unconventional Ms. Rose, Pattyn devours books that open her mind to new worlds and ideas—many of them forbidden in her Mormon household. Through literature, she discovers the power of questioning, the allure of fantasy, and the possibility of a life beyond wife and mother. Journaling, encouraged by Ms. Rose, becomes a private act of rebellion and self-discovery. Pattyn's growing intellectual hunger is both a comfort and a catalyst, fueling her desire to break free from the roles imposed on her and to imagine a different future.

Dreaming of Justin Proud

Pattyn's first sex dream about Justin Proud, a popular and unattainable boy at school, ignites a storm of guilt and curiosity. Raised to believe that even impure thoughts are catastrophic, she is both thrilled and ashamed by her desires. The dream becomes a symbol of everything she's been taught to fear—her own sexuality, her longing for connection, and the possibility of pleasure outside the boundaries of her faith. Unable to confide in her mother or friends, Pattyn is left to wrestle with her feelings alone, questioning whether dreams can be sinful and what it means to want something forbidden.

Family Roles and Rebellion

Pattyn's home life is dominated by her father's authoritarian rule and her mother's passive acceptance of endless childbearing. Her father, obsessed with having a son, names each daughter after a general, while her mother resigns herself to her "woman's role." Pattyn is repulsed by the expectation that her worth lies in motherhood and submission. She witnesses her mother's exhaustion and her father's disappointment, fueling her own determination to resist. The church reinforces these roles, with male leaders and rituals that underscore women's inferiority. Pattyn's resentment grows, and she begins to see escape as the only path to freedom.

Sisterhood and Secrets

Jackie, Pattyn's closest sister, is her confidante and co-conspirator. Together, they navigate the chaos of their large family and the unpredictability of their father's moods. While Pattyn's friendships with other Mormon girls fade under the weight of family secrets and responsibilities, her bond with Jackie deepens. They share dreams, fears, and the burden of keeping silent about their father's drinking and violence. Yet even with Jackie, some secrets—like Pattyn's sexual awakening—remain unspoken. The sisters' relationship is a lifeline, but also a reminder of the isolation that comes from living in a family ruled by fear and silence.

Dad's Demons Unleashed

Pattyn's father is haunted by the ghosts of his past: a failed first marriage, a son lost in war, another son disowned for being gay, and his own father's legacy of violence. His drinking escalates, and his rage becomes a nightly terror. Pattyn witnesses his breakdowns, his conversations with the dead, and his inability to love or be loved. The cycle of violence and trauma is generational, passed down from father to son, and now threatening to consume Pattyn and her sisters. The family's silence and the church's complicity leave Pattyn feeling trapped, desperate for a way out.

Questions Without Answers

Pattyn's attempts to find answers in her faith are met with evasion and denial. Her questions about dreams, sin, and God's judgment are dismissed by church leaders, who offer platitudes instead of understanding. The hypocrisy of the church—its condemnation of alcohol, its silence on abuse, its insistence on women's submission—becomes increasingly clear. Pattyn's journal becomes her only outlet for honest questioning. She begins to doubt not only the church's teachings but the very existence of a loving God. Her search for truth leaves her more isolated, but also more determined to define her own beliefs.

Chemistry, Jealousy, and Guns

In chemistry class, Pattyn's jealousy flares as she watches Justin flirt with Tiffany, the embodiment of everything Pattyn is not. The encounter leaves her feeling invisible and inadequate. Later, in the desert, Pattyn finds unexpected camaraderie with a group of popular kids, including Derek, who notices her skill with a rifle. Shooting becomes a source of power and control, a way to assert herself in a world where she often feels powerless. The gun is both a symbol of her rebellion and a dangerous temptation, foreshadowing the violence to come.

Desert Encounters, New Friends

Pattyn's desert encounters with Derek and his friends mark a turning point. For the first time, she feels seen and desired. She experiments with alcohol, flirts with danger, and allows herself to be drawn into a world outside her Mormon upbringing. Derek's attention awakens new feelings of confidence and possibility. Their relationship quickly intensifies, blurring the lines between love and lust. Pattyn's sense of self shifts as she experiences acceptance and pleasure, but the risks—emotional and physical—are ever-present.

Derek's Kiss, New Self

Derek's kiss is a revelation for Pattyn, a moment of pure joy and validation. She feels reborn, shedding her old self and embracing a new identity as someone who is wanted and worthy. The secrecy of their relationship adds to its intensity, but also its danger. Pattyn lies to her family and church, sneaks out to parties, and allows herself to be swept up in the thrill of forbidden love. The consequences are inevitable: gossip, betrayal, and the wrath of her father. When their relationship is discovered, Pattyn is punished, isolated, and ultimately exiled.

Love, Lust, and Lies

Banished to her Aunt Jeanette's ranch for the summer, Pattyn expects punishment but finds unexpected freedom. Aunt J is strong, independent, and unafraid to challenge the rules. On the ranch, Pattyn learns to ride horses, drive a truck, and shoot with real purpose. She meets Ethan, a gentle and genuine young man who sees her for who she is. Their love grows slowly, built on trust and mutual respect. For the first time, Pattyn experiences a relationship that is both passionate and nurturing. The ranch becomes a sanctuary, a place where she can imagine a future defined by her own choices.

Violence, Exile, and Aunt J

Aunt J's own history of forbidden love and family violence mirrors Pattyn's struggles. Through their shared stories, Pattyn learns about the legacy of abuse, the dangers of blind faith, and the possibility of healing. The Nevada landscape, scarred by nuclear testing and government betrayal, becomes a metaphor for the damage inflicted by secrets and lies. Pattyn's relationship with Ethan deepens, offering hope and the promise of a different kind of family. But the past is never far behind, and the threat of her father's control looms over her happiness.

Ranch Lessons and Ethan's Smile

Life on the ranch teaches Pattyn resilience, self-reliance, and the value of honest work. Ethan's love helps her see herself as beautiful and worthy, challenging the shame and self-doubt instilled by her upbringing. Aunt J's wisdom and support provide a model of strength and independence. Pattyn begins to believe in the possibility of happiness, even as she grapples with the scars of her past. The ranch becomes a true home, a place where she can imagine a future built on love, not fear.

Aunt J's Past, Pattyn's Future

Aunt J's revelations about her own lost love, the violence of Pattyn's father, and the failures of the church force Pattyn to confront the realities of her family's history. She learns about the government's betrayal of Nevada's people, the dangers of unquestioned authority, and the importance of forging her own beliefs. Pattyn's relationship with Ethan flourishes, but the knowledge that happiness is fragile haunts her. She vows to hold on to love, to fight for her own future, and to break the cycle of silence and submission.

Falling for Ethan

Pattyn and Ethan's love story is tender, passionate, and transformative. Together, they explore the Nevada wilderness, share dreams, and make love for the first time. Pattyn feels truly alive, cherished, and free. But the reality of her impending return home casts a shadow over their happiness. The threat of her father's control, the possibility of pregnancy, and the uncertainty of the future loom large. Pattyn clings to the hope that love can conquer all, even as she senses that tragedy is inevitable.

Love, Loss, and Homecoming

Forced to return home, Pattyn is plunged back into a world of violence, control, and silence. Her father's abuse escalates, her mother remains passive, and her sisters suffer in silence. Pattyn discovers she is pregnant with Ethan's child, a secret she must keep at all costs. Gossip and betrayal spread through her school and church, isolating her further. Plans to escape with Ethan are thwarted by a series of betrayals and a tragic accident. Ethan and their unborn child are killed, leaving Pattyn shattered and alone.

Bruises, Secrets, and Pregnancy

In the aftermath of Ethan's death, Pattyn is consumed by grief, guilt, and rage. Disowned by her father, abandoned by her mother, and ostracized by her community, she contemplates revenge and self-destruction. The cycle of violence and silence continues, with no one willing or able to help. Pattyn's sense of self is fractured, her faith in love and God destroyed. She is left with nothing but memories, scars, and the faint hope that she might one day find a way to break free.

Shattered Dreams, Shattered Self

Pattyn's story ends on the edge—literally and figuratively. She contemplates violence against those who have hurt her, but also the possibility of ending her own life. The weight of generational trauma, religious hypocrisy, and personal loss threatens to crush her. Yet even in her darkest moments, Pattyn clings to the memory of love, the lessons learned from Aunt J, and the faint hope that she might one day find redemption. The final image is one of uncertainty, a young woman poised between destruction and survival, searching for a reason to keep going.

Characters

Pattyn Scarlet Von Stratten

Pattyn is the eldest daughter in a large, patriarchal Mormon family, defined by her intelligence, sensitivity, and relentless questioning. She is both a caretaker and an outsider, burdened by responsibility yet desperate for escape. Pattyn's psychological journey is marked by a struggle between obedience and rebellion, faith and doubt, self-loathing and self-discovery. Her relationships—with her sisters, her parents, her lovers—are fraught with secrecy, longing, and pain. Pattyn's development is shaped by trauma, but also by moments of joy, love, and empowerment. She is a survivor, a seeker, and ultimately, a symbol of resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

Jackie Von Stratten

Jackie is Pattyn's closest sister and confidante, sharing secrets, burdens, and dreams. She is compassionate, practical, and fiercely protective, often acting as a buffer between Pattyn and their father. Jackie's own suffering—physical and emotional—mirrors Pattyn's, but she is less able to rebel. Her loyalty is both a strength and a vulnerability, binding her to a family that cannot protect her. Jackie's relationship with Pattyn is a source of comfort and pain, a reminder of what is lost and what might still be saved.

Stephen Von Stratten (Dad)

Pattyn's father is a complex figure, shaped by war, loss, and generational violence. He is both a victim and a perpetrator, unable to escape the ghosts of his past or the expectations of his faith. His need for control manifests in alcohol-fueled rages, physical abuse, and emotional distance. Stephen's relationship with his daughters is defined by disappointment and anger, particularly his obsession with having a son. His inability to love or be loved is both tragic and terrifying, casting a long shadow over Pattyn's life.

Janice Von Stratten (Mom)

Janice is a woman broken by endless childbearing, domestic drudgery, and her husband's abuse. She is emotionally absent, retreating into television and denial. Her passivity is both a survival strategy and a source of pain for her daughters, who long for her protection and guidance. Janice's relationship with Pattyn is distant, marked by unspoken expectations and mutual disappointment. She embodies the dangers of submission and the cost of silence.

Aunt Jeanette (Aunt J)

Aunt J is Pattyn's father's estranged sister, a woman who has survived her own traumas and forged a life of independence on her Nevada ranch. She is strong, practical, and unafraid to challenge authority. Aunt J becomes a mentor and surrogate mother to Pattyn, offering love, guidance, and a model of resilience. Her own history of forbidden love and loss mirrors Pattyn's struggles, creating a bond of empathy and understanding. Aunt J's presence is transformative, helping Pattyn imagine a future beyond the confines of her upbringing.

Ethan Carter

Ethan is a college student and rancher's son, embodying kindness, patience, and genuine affection. He sees Pattyn for who she is, offering her acceptance and love without judgment. Ethan's relationship with Pattyn is a source of healing and growth, allowing her to experience intimacy and trust for the first time. His tragic death is a devastating loss, shattering Pattyn's hopes and reinforcing the dangers of love in a world ruled by violence and control.

Derek Colthorpe

Derek is Pattyn's first real boyfriend, a symbol of rebellion and the allure of the forbidden. Their relationship is intense, passionate, and ultimately destructive, exposing Pattyn to the risks of love and the consequences of breaking the rules. Derek's betrayal and abandonment are painful lessons, pushing Pattyn toward greater self-awareness and resilience.

Ms. Rose

Ms. Rose is the school librarian who encourages Pattyn's love of reading and writing. She is a quiet rebel, introducing Pattyn to banned books and the power of self-expression. Ms. Rose's belief in Pattyn's potential is a rare source of validation, helping her imagine a life beyond her prescribed roles. Her presence is a reminder of the importance of mentors and the transformative power of literature.

Kevin Carter

Kevin is Aunt J's high school sweetheart and Ethan's father, representing the possibility of love lost and found. His history with Aunt J is marked by violence, separation, and regret, mirroring the generational patterns of trauma in Pattyn's family. Kevin's reappearance in Aunt J's life offers a glimmer of hope for healing and redemption.

Trevor

Trevor is a childhood friend who becomes a tool of the community's judgment and betrayal. His actions—reporting Pattyn and Ethan's escape—set in motion the tragic events that destroy Pattyn's hopes. Trevor embodies the dangers of conformity, gossip, and the willingness to sacrifice friendship for acceptance.

Plot Devices

Verse Narrative and Fragmented Structure

The novel's verse structure, with its short, fragmented lines and shifting perspectives, mirrors Pattyn's psychological state—disjointed, searching, and often on the edge of collapse. This form allows for intense emotional immediacy, drawing readers into Pattyn's inner world and heightening the impact of her experiences. The use of journals, letters, and internal monologues creates a sense of intimacy and urgency, while also reflecting the isolation and secrecy that define Pattyn's life.

Foreshadowing and Cyclical Violence

From the opening pages, the narrative is laced with foreshadowing—Pattyn's fascination with danger, her father's escalating violence, and the repeated imagery of fire, burning, and edges. The cyclical nature of abuse, both within Pattyn's family and the broader community, is a central theme. The novel explores how trauma is inherited, how silence perpetuates suffering, and how breaking the cycle requires both courage and sacrifice.

Symbolism of Guns and the Desert

Guns are a recurring symbol of power, control, and the potential for both liberation and destruction. For Pattyn, shooting is a way to assert herself, to feel strong in a world that seeks to make her powerless. The Nevada desert, with its vastness and beauty, represents both the possibility of escape and the dangers that lie beyond the boundaries of home. The landscape is both sanctuary and battleground, a place where Pattyn can imagine a different life but also confront the realities of violence and loss.

Intergenerational Trauma and Religious Hypocrisy

The novel weaves together personal and historical trauma—war, nuclear testing, abuse, and the failures of religious institutions. The hypocrisy of the church, its complicity in violence, and its insistence on women's submission are exposed through Pattyn's experiences and Aunt J's stories. The narrative structure allows for the layering of past and present, showing how the wounds of one generation are passed on to the next, and how breaking free requires confronting painful truths.

Analysis

Burned is a searing exploration of the intersections between family, faith, gender, and trauma. Through Pattyn's journey, Ellen Hopkins exposes the dangers of unquestioned authority, the cost of silence, and the resilience required to break cycles of abuse. The novel's verse structure amplifies the emotional intensity, drawing readers into the fragmented, urgent world of a young woman on the brink. At its core, Burned is a story about the search for self-worth and the longing for love in a world that seeks to deny both. Pattyn's experiences—her sexual awakening, her rebellion, her exile, and her ultimate loss—are both deeply personal and universally resonant. The novel challenges readers to question the roles imposed by family and faith, to recognize the insidiousness of generational trauma, and to believe in the possibility of healing, even in the face of overwhelming despair. In a modern context, Burned remains a powerful call for empathy, agency, and the courage to speak truth, no matter the cost.

Last updated: December 7, 2025