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E. Lockhart's We Were Lias

1125 Words5 Pages

Family hierarchy-like systems can create a trap of dependency, making it difficult for individuals to be themselves. The constant pressure to meet impossible standards can make it feel like they are trying to fit into a mould that is not meant for them. E. Lockhart's "We Were Liars" reveals the Sinclair family's mask, delivering important lessons about the consequences of hierarchy in the family and the hardships of dependency and pressure to be perfect that it creates. This essay looks at how the family hierarchy in "We Were Liars" causes two main issues. Firstly, it will explain how it can lead to being trapped by dependency, causing many disputes within the family. Secondly, it will discuss the overwhelming pressure to be perfect and how …show more content…

E. Lockhart's "We Were Liars" depicts how family hierarchy promotes dependency and sets unattainable expectations, ultimately limiting personal freedom and lowering self-worth. As seen throughout the book, family hierarchy and the amount of power that Harris Sinclair has over the family ultimately cause the aunts to fall into dependency, creating many arguments about inheritance, money, the houses, and the grandmother's belongings. Firstly, the aunts falling into dependency leads them to create many arguments within the family about money, inheritance, and the grandmother's objects. In "We Were Liars," the dependency of the aunts on Harris Sinclair because of his financial control over them is vividly seen through the many arguments about inheritance and different valuable possessions the aunts have. “I have to earn your love every day, Dad,” Mummy slurred. And most days I fail. It’s not f*cking fair. Carrie gets the pearls, Bess gets the Boston house, and …show more content…

Firstly, the pressure Grandad puts on the aunts impacts many of their relationships with each other, their husbands, and their children. The tension that Grandad puts on the aunts leads to tension and frustration in all their relationships, leading to many arguments and broken bonds. Mummy was always worried about money. She yelled at me and the littles about the stupidest things. Johnny's mom was always angry at everyone, especially her husband." Lockhart, p. 62. This quote shows how the pressure Grandad puts on the aunts affects many of their relationships with their children and spouses. Having to constantly worry about money and the pressure to live up to Grandad's expectations creates an environment of stress and frustration for the family. Because of this, the aunts often take out their anxieties on their families, causing frequent arguments and strained relationships. It also demonstrates how Grandad's high expectations and pressure to be perfect have a severe impact on their personal relationships and family dynamics. Secondly, Grandad's overwhelming pressure and expectations lead to the aunts being unable to make their own decisions, even regarding who they date. The need to live up to his expectations means that instead of the aunts making decisions on their own, they have to base them on what Grandad would

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