Ordinary People Aren’t Ordinary

The Jarrett's have always believed themselves to be ordinary people, but after their firstborn son, Jordan "Buck" Jarrett drowns and their second born son, Conrad, attempts suicide their whole world is turned upside-down. When Conrad comes home from his mental institution he feels that things have changed. Conrad's relationship with his parents has changed. Depression is an important theme in this book. It is present constantly, and may bring the reader into a saddened state, but this is necessary to truly understand the complexities involved in this family. The relationship that Conrad has with his parents changes throughout the novel. The Jarrett’s are not your typical ordinary people and this causes conflicts throughout the book.

When Conrad first comes home, he has an awkward relationship with both of his parents. He believes that his father is watching his every move checking for signals. While it is true that both parents love Conrad, they both have different ways of showing their love. Conrad's father worries about him more than his mother does. Cal believes that communication will help heal the wounds, while Beth wants to leave the past behind. In a conversation with psychiatrist Dr. Berger, Conrad is asked who does most of the worrying and he answers "My father, mostly. This is his idea." When asked about his mother he says "She's-I don't know, she's not a worrier." Clearly Conrad thinks that his mother doesn't care about him.

Conrad's father does most of the worrying because he blames himself for Conrad's suicide attempt. Though the logical part of Cal's brain tells him it wasn't his fault he still believes that he should have paid more attention to Conrad. This is usually the role a mother plays with her son. Calvin is not an ordinary parent.

Conrad's mother, Beth, on the other hand thinks that Cal worries too much about Conrad. Beth thinks that Conrad is just trying to hurt her. Conrad tells Beth that he would tell her more about him if he thought she "gave a damn." Conrad tells Beth that he thinks she is the one trying to hurt him. Beth is not at all an ordinary mother. Mothers are supposed to be close to their children. They are supposed be caring and loving.

Conrad finally releases all of his emotions