Ordinary People AP Data Sheet 
Michelle Spremulli
Mrs. Petitbon
English III HAT
8 December 2014 Title:
Ordinary People
Significance of Title:
Ordinary People is named so because it tells the story of a year in the lives of “ordinary” (normal) people.
Author:
Judith Guest
Biographical Information:
• born March 29, 1936
• American novelist/screenwriter
• studied English and psychology at the
University of Michigan
• graduating with a BA in education
Date Published:
1976
Historical Significance:
In the 1970s the interest in studying the human mind arose in many people. In an interview Guest said, “I wrote it because I wanted to explore the anatomy of depression how it works and why it happens to people” Genre:
Psychological novel
Prevalent characteristics about the genre:
(also called psychological realism) a novel that focuses on the complex mental and emotional lives of its characters and explores the various levels of mental activity
Setting:
1970s
The book is set in Lake Forest, Illinois where Conrad and his family live. The book takes the reader through the days of their “ordinary lives” at work, school, and at home.
Point of View:
Narrative Voice
The point of view switches back and forth between that of Conrad and Calvin from chapter to chapter; giving the reader two perspectives of the same story, and showing how the two characters cope with the same problem differently.
Author’s style/tone:
Simplistic, depressing, deep, worryful Examples:
“Well, who can help? Severe Depressive Episodes:
High Risk of Suicide was the initial diagnosis on the commitment papers he signed last January. A seven word diagnosis. Is there a sevenword cure? Is he
cured?” (pg 33)
“To mention it is to make too much of it, and there will be flak ‘Why? Did Something happen? Is anything the matter?’ and he isn’t ready for it. Not yet. Themes:
1. Lack of communication can lead to misinterpretation
2. Healing, even after the
Mrs. Petitbon
English III HAT
8 December 2014 Title:
Ordinary People
Significance of Title:
Ordinary People is named so because it tells the story of a year in the lives of “ordinary” (normal) people.
Author:
Judith Guest
Biographical Information:
• born March 29, 1936
• American novelist/screenwriter
• studied English and psychology at the
University of Michigan
• graduating with a BA in education
Date Published:
1976
Historical Significance:
In the 1970s the interest in studying the human mind arose in many people. In an interview Guest said, “I wrote it because I wanted to explore the anatomy of depression how it works and why it happens to people” Genre:
Psychological novel
Prevalent characteristics about the genre:
(also called psychological realism) a novel that focuses on the complex mental and emotional lives of its characters and explores the various levels of mental activity
Setting:
1970s
The book is set in Lake Forest, Illinois where Conrad and his family live. The book takes the reader through the days of their “ordinary lives” at work, school, and at home.
Point of View:
Narrative Voice
The point of view switches back and forth between that of Conrad and Calvin from chapter to chapter; giving the reader two perspectives of the same story, and showing how the two characters cope with the same problem differently.
Author’s style/tone:
Simplistic, depressing, deep, worryful Examples:
“Well, who can help? Severe Depressive Episodes:
High Risk of Suicide was the initial diagnosis on the commitment papers he signed last January. A seven word diagnosis. Is there a sevenword cure? Is he
cured?” (pg 33)
“To mention it is to make too much of it, and there will be flak ‘Why? Did Something happen? Is anything the matter?’ and he isn’t ready for it. Not yet. Themes:
1. Lack of communication can lead to misinterpretation
2. Healing, even after the