Commentary on Ordinar People Essay

The literal nature of the journey, in Judith Guests Ordinary People, affects Conrads character and the overall theme of the novel. After eight months in a psychiatric hospital, there because of attempted suicide, seventeen year old Conrad tries to return to his once normal life. While on his journey back to normalcy, Conrad is faced with various obstacles such as trying to get over his feelings of despair, anger, and dealing with his parents who seem to be in denial. The novel takes us on this journey back to normalcy and the overall theme of healing.

Conrad seems consumed with despair. Leaving the mental institution and returning to normalcy and school appear to be more than Conrad can handle. He eventually contacts a psychiatrist, Dr. Berger; however, he is unable to express his feelings. Conrads steady journey towards healing seems to be the result of his sessions with Dr. Berger which helps take away his feelings of guilt regarding his brothers death and his familys denial of Bucks death.

We see that Conrads anger and aggression is vented on another when he physically attacked his schoolmate. Yet, he also turns his anger on himself and expresses in extreme and dangerous depression and guilt. When Conrad is finally able to express his anger, Dr. Berger tells him, Razoring is anger; self-mutilation is anger. So this is a good sign; turning his anger outward at last.

Throughout the majority of the novel, Conrads parents appear to be in denial about Bucks death. Conrads father, Calvin, says, Dont worry. Everything is all right. However, Calvin claims to drink alcohol because it deadens the pain. Conrads mother, Beth, is extremely self-possessed and a perfectionist. Calvin tells Dr. Berger that excessive self-control, not expressing feelings, guards against anxiety by controlling any expression of emotion and denying emotional investment in a thing or person.

By the end of this story, we see Conrad moving toward recovery and the successful management of his stage of development. Conrads father becomes more open with him and they both develop a close bond, while his mother goes off on her own to attempt to work out her issues. We are taken on this familys journey back to normalcy as it leads to their ultimate healing.