Character Development:
* Internal Conflict: The novel primarily focuses on the internal struggles of Conrad and his family, particularly his struggle with guilt, grief, and depression.
* Foil Characters: Conrad and his brother, Buck, act as foils to each other, highlighting contrasting personalities and coping mechanisms.
* Dynamic Characters: Conrad and his mother, Beth, undergo significant changes in their personalities and outlooks throughout the story.
* Static Characters: Characters like Calvin, the father, and Karen, the therapist, remain relatively unchanged, providing a contrasting perspective on the family's dynamics.
Narrative Structure:
* First-person narration: The story is told from Conrad's point of view, providing an intimate and sometimes unreliable perspective on events.
* Stream of consciousness: Conrad's thoughts and feelings are often presented in a fragmented and disjointed manner, reflecting his mental state.
* Non-linear narrative: The story jumps back and forth in time, revealing details about the past that illuminate the present.
* Unreliable narrator: Conrad's narration is colored by his own biases and emotions, making the reader question the objectivity of his perspective.
Style and Language:
* Symbolism: The lake, the sailboat, and the weather are used as recurring symbols throughout the novel, representing themes of isolation, death, and change.
* Metaphor and Simile: The novel employs rich imagery and figurative language to convey emotions and experiences.
* Juxtaposition: The novel often contrasts the seemingly "ordinary" life of the family with their deep-seated emotional turmoil.
* Irony: The novel uses irony to highlight the discrepancy between appearances and reality, often focusing on the family's facade of normalcy.
Themes and Motifs:
* Grief and Mourning: The novel explores the complex and multifaceted nature of grief and the different ways in which individuals cope with loss.
* Family Dynamics: The novel examines the complexities of family relationships, particularly the dynamics between parents and children.
* Mental Illness: The novel sheds light on the struggles of mental illness and the challenges of seeking help.
* Guilt and Redemption: Conrad wrestles with guilt over the death of his brother and seeks to find redemption for his actions.
Overall, "Ordinary People" is a powerful novel that uses literary devices to explore complex themes of grief, guilt, family, and mental illness. The novel's relatable characters, intimate narration, and powerful imagery make it a compelling and unforgettable read.