Ordinary People Group

Question:

sweetkaran
sweetkaran
Student
College - Freshman

In "Ordinary People," what respect did Conrad and Buck differ?

Rate question:

Posted by sweetkaran on Saturday January 12, 2008 at 2:18 PM and tagged with buck, conrad, contrast, ordinary people.

Answers:


  1. jeff-hauge Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    Through therapy the reader finds it painfully obvious that Buck was his mother’s favorite. Conrad lives in the shadow of Buck’s tragic death and finds out quickly that there is nothing in life he can do to assuage the pain and grief his parents endure. Conrad is inherently a more introversive personality. He is thoughtful, quiet and sensitive. Buck seems to be remembered as a jocular, extroversive comedic character. Buck was a superior athlete and a more popular student. Conrad inherits Buck’s legacy as a swimmer and student and finds it impossible to endure. Through therapy he finds his own way.

    Rate answer:

    Posted by jeff-hauge on Saturday January 12, 2008 at 8:10 PM

  2. jengerlach
    jengerlach Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    Jordan (Buck) is described as the carefree son who thought they would live forever.  He is adventurous (the hostage incident) and unapologetic (after being accused of stealing).  Conrad, meanwhile, is a worrier, and is very hard on himself.  He feels guilt over incidents he can't possibly control.  He also has an intense drive for perfection.  His lists remind us of this, as do his acts of self punishment.

    Rate answer:

    Posted by jengerlach on Monday October 6, 2008 at 7:52 AM