Ordinary People: Relationships Between Family and Friends

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facing pressures and problems, stating in his head "They do not discuss a problem in the presence of a problem" (Guest, 4), implying that he must just move forward and recover, that there is only recovery and not true dealing with the problem at hand.

Conrad seems to have a tense relationship at times with his family; one example of disagreement is when Conrad's father blatantly advertises Conrad's therapy sessions at a dinner party, violating his privacy according to his mother. Beth and Calvin, Conrad's parents, often disagree on what they think is best for Conrad. Calvin for the most part is sympathetic toward his son's plight, and truly cares for a positive outcome. The tension that exists between Conrad and his mother may be due to her cold perspective and attitude. Beth feels at many junctures in the novel that Conrad isn't being open with her. She puts much pressure on Conrad to in a sense follow the righteous path of recovery. Toward the end however, Beth's mom ...

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