People who keep stiff upper lips find that it's damn hard to smile

People who keep stiff upper lips find that it's damn hard to smile

In Judith Guest's novel "Ordinary People," the theme of emotional repression and the struggle to maintain a stoic facade is prevalent throughout the story. The quote "People who keep stiff upper lips find that it's damn hard to smile" perfectly encapsulates the internal conflict faced by the characters in the novel, particularly Conrad Jarrett.

Conrad is a young man who is grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic boating accident that claimed the life of his older brother, Buck. In the wake of the tragedy, Conrad is consumed by guilt and self-blame, but he feels pressure from his family and society to maintain a facade of strength and composure. He is expected to keep a stiff upper lip and not show any signs of weakness or vulnerability.

As Conrad struggles to cope with his emotions and the weight of his grief, he finds it increasingly difficult to find moments of genuine happiness or joy. The act of smiling becomes a foreign and unnatural gesture for him, as he is constantly suppressing his true feelings in order to conform to societal expectations. The quote highlights the toll that emotional repression can take on an individual, as it becomes a barrier to experiencing true happiness and connection with others.

Throughout the novel, Conrad's journey towards healing and self-acceptance is a gradual and painful process. He must confront his suppressed emotions and allow himself to be vulnerable in order to truly move forward. Only by acknowledging his pain and allowing himself to express his true feelings can Conrad begin to find moments of genuine happiness and connection with others.