Ordinary People
No family is perfect, we're all ordinary people. In the novel Ordinary People, byJudith Guest, Beth, a private woman, wife, and mother strives for perfection. After thedeath of one son and the near death of another, she builds feelings of hurt and denial. Shedenies her feelings and her family because it is her only way to cope with those feelings. Beth strives for perfection. Her life is like a Barbie doll's life, everything on aBarbie is perfect, from her looks to her personality. Barbie's clothing is what makes aBarbie look pretty and fashionable. Beth wears clothing and jewelry to show she has stylewhich shows she is a pretty woman on the outside. "a sleeveless knit suit, the color ofstraw, a V-neck bordered in orange, a thin gold chain around her neck. All elegance andself-possession. So beautiful in every detail that men and women both look at her."(Guest 25) Her Barbie doll looks make her appear irresistible, like one that would beidolized by many people. Her need for control is evident because her appearance must befaultless, her hair must be nicely done and she must look younger than she really is. Bethtakes good care of her skin, making sure that her face does not have any wrinkles. A well
There is too many memories at home forher during the holidays. Beth and Conradwill constantly have their distance between each other until Beth can show Conrad thatshe really does care about him and not ignore him like she does throughout the novel. Cal wantsto be able to talk to Beth, so that she can let out the feelings that she is holding in her. There is too many memories that is bothering her. Even though she keeps to herself, everyone can see that she is quiet about her feelings. " (Guest 6) Since her appearance is neat and clean, she expects her family to lookwell dressed and well groomed. She says to Cal,"When you suggested a counselor, that's when I knew. She wants everything to move smoothly, to go right. She cannot converse withhim like real mother would talk to her own child. Hersister-in-law also knows that Beth is a very private person, and tells Cal, "I mean heremotion is her enemy. Calsuggests that they get help with communication, but Beth won't have it. Conrad will think that his own motherdoesn't want to speak to him or even pretend to care about him. Beth is already in bed and Cal wonders why she didn't checkif Conrad was home and safe. Conrad knows that theydo not have any emotional connection, but only physical connection. Getting away for theholidays is a way for Beth to feel some comfort.
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