Ordinary People is a novel by Judith Guest that tells the story of the Jarrett family as they struggle to cope with the aftermath of the death of their older son, Buck, in a boating accident. The story is narrated by the family's younger son, Conrad, who is struggling to come to terms with his own feelings of guilt and inadequacy in the wake of the tragedy. Throughout the novel, Conrad reflects on the ways in which ordinary people are able to navigate and overcome difficult circumstances, and the important role that emotional vulnerability and openness play in the process of healing and recovery.
One of the key themes of Ordinary People is the idea that ordinary people are capable of great strength and resilience. This is exemplified by the way in which the Jarrett family struggles to come to terms with their grief and loss, and the ways in which they are able to support each other and find meaning in their lives despite the challenges they face. As Conrad reflects on the aftermath of his brother's death, he observes that "ordinary people, with their ordinary lives, do go on, even when it seems impossible" (Guest, 1980, p. 32). This resilience is demonstrated by the way in which the Jarrett family is able to adapt to the changes and challenges that are thrust upon them, and the way in which they are able to find ways to move forward and continue living their lives despite the difficulties they face.
In addition to the theme of ordinary people's resilience, Ordinary People also explores the importance of emotional vulnerability and openness in the process of healing and recovery. Throughout the novel, Conrad struggles to confront and express his own emotions, which are tied up in feelings of guilt, anger, and grief. It is only when he is able to open up to others and share his feelings that he is able to begin to heal and move forward. As he reflects on his own journey, Conrad observes that "it's when you're vulnerable that you're the most powerful" (Guest, 1980, p. 182). This idea is echoed by the other characters in the novel, who also recognize the importance of being open and honest about their feelings in order to work through their grief and find ways to move forward.
In conclusion, Ordinary People is a powerful and moving exploration of the resilience of ordinary people and the importance of emotional vulnerability and openness in the process of healing and recovery. Through the experiences of the Jarrett family, the novel illustrates the ways in which ordinary people are able to navigate and overcome difficult circumstances, and the role that emotional openness and vulnerability play in the process of healing and moving forward.
