Themes from American Literature #1

"If you spent your life concentrating on what everyone else thought of you, would you forget who you really were? What if the face you showed the world turned out to be a mask...with nothing beneath it (Picoult 83)?"

    
     One does not have to fully immerse oneself in this novel to see the prevalent theme relating to the pressures of conforming in society. Three main characters that have been introduced all show a similar struggle. Alex, Josie, and Patrick are all fighting to achieve something whether that is in the workplace or at Sterling High School. All three of these characters have differences such as gender and age, yet they share a common hardship. Yes they are concerned with separate specific goals, but all of them experience self doubt and insecurity in their successes.
     In this emotional novel, author Jodi Picoult reveals the struggles that lie beneath the surface of a small town, and explores the power of being different in society. There are themes of sacrifice, and how seeking perfection can lead to emotional stress. These themes are appearing to develop early on in the novel. As a reader, one may expect a more intricate, deep theme relating to sacrifice that the author will later divulge.
     Considering this novel is revolving around a school shooting done by a student, it is apparent that people use secrecy in order to survive in society. Josie Cormier is a master of secrecy as she paints her face and soul everyday to transform into the girl who has it all. She fears that if her secret, or her deep depression and insecurities, ever gets out, that she will be ruined via the social world and within herself through emotional distress. She wonders what would happen if she veered off track of keeping up her joyful persona. Josie also connects with her mother Alex because they both are absorbed in how society percieves of them. The theme of secrecy and suppressing the truth in order to succeed in society is very prevalent in the character of Josie Cormier. She is alone and says, "There wasn't anyone to talk to. If you even doubted your right to be on of the privileged, popular set, than you didn't belong there (Picoult 9)."
     Themes such as these exist in a multitude of famous American Literature. From the reader's point of view, it is very emotional because they strike deep within. Powerful themes such as these are what makes a novel addicting. Through reading these types of character thoughts, readers can immerse themselves in the lives of others, feel and and relate to them, without having to sacrifice their own emotions. Seeing the characters torture themselves or organize their priorities in a way one does not agree with, can be a very insightful experience. Reading this and feeling the themes of sacrifice and living up to society's expectations puts reality into perspective.
     In addition, if you look closely at the background of this blog, you can find masquerade style masks which actively represent the theme of the novel how the characters hide behind a false persona.