Ordinary People
For this book – you will hopefully learn what you shall (in the future) do in your head while reading. For now, however, I would like for you to follow this process on paper so that you will be able to train your mind to do it automatically and (eventually) subconsciously. Keep track of the “clues” left by the author
WHILE you read each chapter. Answer the questions at the
END of each chapter.
If you lost the study guide... go to the study guide section of the site.
Ordinary People Review
Characters:
Beth
Calvin
Coach Salan
Conrad
Dr. Berger
Dr. Crawford
Howard and Ellen
Jeannine Jordan (Buck)
Karen
Lazenby (Joe)
Ray
Stillman (Kevin)
Suzanne Mosley
Ward and Audrey
Terms and Concepts:
Contextual Symbolism
Survivor Guilt
5 Stages of Acceptance of Death
Illusion vs. Reality
Perception vs. Reality
Duties of a Parent
Inspiration for life choices (family, friends, self motivation)
Self imposed pressures
What it means to be ordinary
Approaches to processing guilt (by family member)
Impact and influence of parents on their children
Major Events/Issues: While the book focuses on these two story lines, Beth is there too, it may be a good idea to hypothesize her list of major events/issues.
Conrad:
Boating accident
Suicide Attempt
Berger Sessions
Quitting Swimming
Attempts to be needed
Car
List making
Jeannine Dates
The Fight
Staying with grandparents
Breakdown
Reconnection
Being in the spotlight
Being the “bad” son Calvin:
Suicide attempt (from parent’s side)
Party
Christmas
Berger session
Houston Trip
Beth’s exit
Comparison of sons
Development as a father
Relationship with Beth
Relationship with Ray
Troubles of a fence-sitter
For this test, like in college, you will want to attempt to foresee what will be asked of you. Thus, in preparation for this test, you are to write three strong open ended questions about the novel utilizing your knowledge of the book as a whole. Remember that open ended questions should require knowledge of the book to support claims and permit the test taker to prove a side.
