The most prominent theme in Running with Scissors is the complex nature of family relationships. It’s evident from the very first chapter, as Augusten watches his mother get ready to leave the house for a poetry reading and feels deep anxiety at the thought of her leaving, even for a few hours: “I don’t want her to go. My umbilical cord is still attached and she’s pulling at it. I feel panicky” (2). Soon after, Augusten reveals the complicated and abusive nature of his parents’ marriage. They often argue violently, which at one point leads to their almost killing one another. Augusten watches all this unfold, powerless to do anything to stop it. Regardless of the way his parents act, he relies on them both and desperately craves their attention.

As Augusten enters adolescence, develops independence, and separates emotionally and physically from his mother, their relationship begins to change. Whereas he once viewed his mother as worthy of worship, he now sees her flaws all too clearly and begins to resent her. After Dierdre abandons Augusten, forcing him to live with the Finches, his resentment for her only deepens. He once again watches powerlessly as she becomes affected by Dr. Finch’s maltreatment.