The remaining members of the Jarret family individually take on guilt over Jordan's death and Conrad's attempts to kill himself, being torn apart internally and destroying things externally because of it. Beth, being ridiculously cleanly takes Conrad's decision to slit his wrists as a deliberate statement against herself. She confesses this to Cal during their short vacation in Dallas.

"Don't you understand what he was saying?" she asks. "He was saying, 'Look! Look what you made me do!' "

She assumes guilt over the near death of her second son, regardless of the fact that it is not a message to her. Choosing guilt, she pushes Conrad away, destroying their connection, and estranging t

Because of the entire family's grief and self-accusation, the bonds that are supposed to tie together relations wear thin, and the supports of domesticity no longer hold. As Cal insightfully voices:

"I'm getting a feeling from you,' he says, 'of heavy guilt. [...] Am I right?"

More prevalent than any other symbol of guilt is the way Conrad decides to die when he attempts suicide. He tells Dr. Crawford that he only wants to die, but he is truthful to himself when he thinks:

"You certainly ask him enough questions-How did he sleep? How does he feel? How did I sleep? How do I feel?"

The secluded guilt of the family stretches out, reaching and destroying things beyond their personal selves, affecting their relationships. Conrad, in his insistence that he is responsible for his brother's death, cannot bring himself to open up to his old friends, whom he shared with Jordan. Even his best friend, Lazenby, who was the only person to write to him in the hospital, gets shoved away. The clearest evidence of this is in the conversation between him and Lazenby after he as quit the swim team.

Regardless of the fact that Lazenby is a true and caring friend, Conrad shoves him away mercilessly, separating himself from all the people and things that remind him of Buck, and his heavy guilt.

Conrad's guilt for living drives him to destroy his good grades, his close friendships, and very nearly destroys his life, when he can no longer control his self-blame. All of the Jarret family, in their guilt are reduced to suffering, isolated individuals, mourning the loss of themselves as well as Jordan.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Regardless Lazenby, Dr Berger, Guilt Yes, Ordinary People, Judith Guest, Dr Crawford, Florida Cal's, Dallas Don't, , Cal I'm, jarret family, hanging head, guilt guilt, ordinary people, symbol guilt, guilt yes, dr berger, heavy guilt, allowing guilt, sleep feel,
Approximate Word count = 1417
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)