Ordinary People

The Jarrett's' have always believed themselves to be ordinary people, but after a 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. The relationship that Conrad has with his parents change throughout the novel and are shaky all the way to the …showed first 75 words of 499 total…

…showed last 75 words of 499 total…Conrad. Later in the story, Conrad realizes his mother is afraid of strangers. Beth seems to act so indifferent to Conrad because she sees him as a stranger. The Conrad that Beth knew would never attempt suicide. After that point Beth doesn't recognize Conrad anymore and perceives him as a stranger. Towards the end of the novel Beth seems to act nice to Conrad, but decides that she needs time away by herself to think.