Dont get too close ordinary pe
Dont get too close ordinary peDon't Get Too Close
Ordinary People by Judith Guest is a well written novel that takes you through the life of a typical upper class American family. The main character in the book is Conrad Jarret. He is the son of Calvin and Beth Jarret. Conrad also had a deceased brother Buck who was killed in a tragic boating accident. This brings us to the reoccurring theme throughout the book. The lack of intimacy in Conrad's life is portrayed throughout the book. Bucks tragic death has caused Conrad to be weary of close relationships. He trys not to get too close to anyone through the beginning of the story, but as the story progresses he starts to develop closer relationships and his intimate side is revived.
At the beginning of the story we see a depressed and downhearted Conrad, racing through the things that he has to do in the days to come. Our first impression of Conrad's relationship with his parents is found on Pg 4 when he is thinking about what his parents are talking about downstairs. He says to himself "They certainly would not be talking about anything important." The reader gets the impression that he has sour feelings toward his parents. Conrad at this point has just returned from the hospital after trying to kill himself. Ever since the death of Buck he had turned himself into a different person. He always blamed himself for things and kept his distance from others. The only person who seems to show intimacy is Calvin at the beginning of the book. On pg7 Calvin gives Beth a kiss and tells her that he loves her. In return Beth says, "I love you", but in the next breath she is telling Calvin to reprimand Conrad about the type of clothes he wears.
Ever since Buck's death, Conrad had disassociated himself with others and tried to keep to himself. He doesn't do things like: touch football, basketball and group activities. The death of his brother had taken its toll on Conrad. This is evident through his trying to commit suicide a month earlier. Calvin really tries to talk to Conrad and have a close relationship but Conrad doesn't want the same. Conrad just doesn't have the motivation to do anything. His distant relationship with his mother is evident when on pg. 14 Conrad says to himself, "Haul ass Lazenby don't make me stand here until she comes out.
As the novel progresses we see Conrads need for a close relationship with someone. In spite of his negative feelings for physiatrists Conrad decides to call for help. This is the beginning of a very important relationship in the book. His first session seems to go nowhere with Dr. Burger because of his skepticism Conrad seems to have an attitude...
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