The Broken Chain by M.F.K. Fisher elucidates her opinions regarding abuse and the "angry beating of helpless people, mostly children and many women". Fisher believes that physical abuse is unacceptable, however, she approves of physical punishment and makes a lucid distinction between the two actions. According to Fisher, physical abuse is a sudden malicious act in which immediate and unrepairable injury is executed due to flustered emotions and out of control rage. Physical punishment, on the other hand, is a well thought out penalty for inappropriate behavior in which no irreparable physical damage is taken in and is performed in a stable emotional atmosphere. Fisher indicates that physical punishment should not be enjoyed by the punisher (in this case being the parent) and should only be carried out in order to teach the child a lesson for an inappropriate action that they committed. Fisher denounces those who physically abuse their children, but feels that children have to suffer the consequences for their delinquent actions by being physically punished.
             Fisher believes that children should never be physically abused. The one time she ever experienced abuse was when she was twelve and she intentionally dropped her baby brother on the floor. Her father saw this and "suddenly acted violently" and gave her "a stinging blow" across her cheek that sent her flying across the room. Her father lost control and acted like his father; becoming filled with rage and causing major physical harm to his child. Fisher did not learn that her action was wrong but rather became upset and disgusted with her father.
             Physical punishment is when the perpetrator is "spanked" or "whacked" in a way so that no permanent harm in done. Fisher remembers the many times that she had received this type of punishment. It was a usual routine in her childhood to be physically punished. Her mother w
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