By Karen Joy Fowle
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler is a compelling novel that combines elements of literary fiction with a profound exploration of family dynamics and identity. 📖 Set against a backdrop of emotional turmoil and ethical dilemmas, this novel offers readers a unique perspective on the nature of family and what it means to truly understand one another.
Karen Joy Fowler, the author, is renowned for her insightful and thought-provoking writing. With a career spanning several decades, Fowler’s work often delves into complex interpersonal relationships and societal issues. We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves, published in 2013, is one of her most acclaimed works. It falls into the genre of contemporary fiction, with a focus on psychological depth and narrative innovation.
In this novel, Fowler invites us into the life of Rosemary Cooke as she navigates the repercussions of a childhood secret that reshapes her understanding of her family and herself. Through its engaging narrative and richly drawn characters, the book explores themes of memory, identity, and the often blurred line between human and animal lives.
Plot Summary
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves unfolds with a mystery that gradually reveals itself through Rosemary Cooke’s reflections and experiences.
Exposition
The novel begins with Rosemary Cooke, the protagonist, reflecting on her current life as a college student in California, while also alluding to a troubled past. She reveals that she has been estranged from her family and struggles with the absence of her sister and brother.
Rising Action
As the story progresses, Rosemary recounts her childhood and the peculiar family situation she grew up in. Her parents, who were psychologists, adopted a chimpanzee named Fern as part of an experiment to study animal behavior and the limits of animal-human communication. The family’s life revolved around Fern, who was raised alongside Rosemary and her brother, Lowell.
The rising action intensifies as Rosemary’s narration exposes the impact of Fern’s presence on the family. The narrative shifts between past and present, revealing the emotional complexity of the situation and the ethical dilemmas it raised.
Climax
The climax of the novel is a dramatic revelation about Fern’s fate and the impact it had on Rosemary’s family. The experiment, which was intended to explore the boundaries between human and animal intelligence, ultimately leads to a series of tragic events that dismantle the Cooke family. Fern is removed from the family, and Rosemary’s brother, Lowell, becomes estranged and radicalized, while her parents struggle with guilt and secrecy.
Falling Action
In the falling action, Rosemary grapples with the consequences of the family’s decisions and the long-lasting effects on her own life. Her attempts to reconcile with her past and understand her brother’s choices form a significant part of this section. She also begins to comprehend the broader implications of her family’s actions and their ethical ramifications.
Resolution
The novel concludes with Rosemary’s attempts to come to terms with her past and to reconnect with her estranged family. Although the resolution does not offer a complete return to normalcy, it provides a sense of closure for Rosemary as she reflects on her journey and the lessons learned.
Character Analysis
Rosemary Cooke is the novel’s central character, whose life is deeply affected by the family’s experimental project. She is introspective, emotionally complex, and grapples with a deep sense of loss and confusion. Her character evolves from a child with limited understanding to an adult who seeks to reconcile her past with her present.
Fern is a chimpanzee raised as Rosemary’s sibling, and her presence is central to the narrative. Although not a human character, Fern’s impact on the Cooke family is profound and drives much of the novel’s emotional weight.
Lowell Cooke is Rosemary’s brother, whose radical actions and subsequent estrangement from the family add layers of complexity to the story. His character represents the consequences of the family’s decisions and the moral dilemmas they face.
The Cooke Parents are integral to the story as they orchestrate the experiment involving Fern. Their motivations are rooted in their professional interests, but their personal choices have far-reaching impacts on their family.
Character Analysis Summary
| Character | Personality | Motivations | Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rosemary Cooke | Introspective, conflicted | Understanding her past, reconciling with family | Grows from confusion to self-awareness |
| Fern | Innocent, emotionally expressive | Represents the ethical implications of the experiment | Central to the family’s emotional turmoil |
| Lowell Cooke | Radical, estranged | Challenging societal norms, dealing with personal pain | Becomes increasingly distant and radical |
| The Cooke Parents | Guilt-ridden, ambitious | Conducting psychological research, managing family dynamics | Struggle with ethical consequences and family breakdown |
Themes and Symbols
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves explores several significant themes and symbols:
Themes
- Identity and Self-Discovery: The novel delves into the search for identity through Rosemary’s journey to understand her past and reconcile with her family.
- Ethics and Morality: The experiment involving Fern raises questions about the ethics of animal research and the moral implications of such experiments on both animals and humans.
- Family Dynamics: The impact of familial relationships and secrets plays a crucial role in shaping the characters’ lives and their interactions with one another.
- Loss and Grief: The novel addresses the themes of loss and grief as Rosemary and her family cope with the emotional fallout from Fern’s removal and Lowell’s radicalization.
Symbols
- Fern the Chimpanzee: Symbolizes the boundaries between human and animal, and the ethical dilemmas of scientific experimentation.
- The Family Home: Represents the stability and structure that is disrupted by the family’s decisions and the experiment.
- Rosemary’s Journals: Serve as a symbol of her internal struggle and her process of coming to terms with her past.
Style and Tone
Karen Joy Fowler’s writing style in We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves is marked by:
- Introspective Narration: Fowler employs a reflective and personal tone through Rosemary’s first-person narration, which allows readers to intimately understand her emotional journey.
- Nonlinear Structure: The novel’s structure is nonlinear, with shifts between past and present, enhancing the mystery and revealing character backstories gradually.
- Emotional Depth: The tone is deeply emotional and contemplative, effectively conveying the complexities of family dynamics and personal identity.
Bullet Points
- Reflective and Personal: The narrative is introspective, offering a deep dive into Rosemary’s psyche.
- Nonlinear Storytelling: The novel unfolds in a non-chronological order, adding layers of mystery and emotional depth.
- Emotional and Contemplative: Fowler’s tone engages readers with its emotional intensity and philosophical reflections.
Literary Devices used in We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
- Foreshadowing: Hints at future events or revelations.
- Flashback: Provides background information and context.
- Symbolism: Uses symbols to represent broader themes.
- Irony: Highlights contrasts between expectations and reality.
- Metaphor: Draws comparisons between unrelated things to deepen understanding.
- Imagery: Creates vivid sensory experiences through descriptive language.
- Personification: Gives human traits to non-human entities.
- Allusion: References external texts or historical events.
- Stream of Consciousness: Captures the continuous flow of thoughts.
- Narrative Structure: Organizes the story in a unique way.
Literary Devices Examples
Foreshadowing
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “Rosemary’s vague references to her brother’s radical actions early in the novel.” | Hints at significant events related to Lowell’s future actions and their impact on the family. |
| “The early mention of Fern’s presence as a ‘disruption’ in the family.” | Suggests forthcoming conflict and the eventual separation of Fern from the family. |
| “Rosemary’s unease about her family’s secrecy.” | Foreshadows the eventual revelation of the family’s hidden past and its emotional consequences. |
Flashback
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “Rosemary reminisces about her early childhood with Fern.” | Provides context for her emotional attachment and the impact of Fern’s presence. |
| “The narrative shifts to the family’s initial decision to adopt Fern.” | Offers insight into the origins of the family’s experimental project and its motivations. |
| “Recalling Lowell’s gradual estrangement from the family.” | Reveals the changes in Lowell’s character and his ultimate separation from the family. |
Symbolism
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “Fern the Chimpanzee” | Represents the ethical and emotional complexities of the experiment. |
| “The Cooke family home” | Symbolizes stability and the impact of its disruption due to the family’s choices. |
| “Rosemary’s diaries” | Symbolize her internal conflict and the process of understanding her past. |
Irony
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “The experiment intended to bridge |
human-animal understanding leads to disaster.” | Highlights the contrast between the intended positive outcome and the actual tragic results. |
| “Rosemary’s parents, who were dedicated to scientific progress, cause emotional harm to their family.” | Ironically contrasts their professional goals with their personal failures. |
| “Fern’s removal, intended to improve her life, leads to her separation from Rosemary.” | The irony lies in the negative consequence of a decision meant to benefit Fern. |
Metaphor
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “The family’s experiment is a ‘labyrinth’ of moral confusion.” | Metaphorically represents the complex and convoluted nature of the ethical dilemmas faced by the family. |
| “Rosemary’s emotional state is described as a ‘stormy sea’.” | Conveys the tumultuous and unpredictable nature of her feelings and mental state. |
| “Fern’s presence is a ‘shadow’ over the Cooke family.” | Represents the lingering impact and influence Fern has on the family’s dynamics. |
Imagery
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “The description of Fern’s playful antics and the family’s joyous interactions.” | Creates vivid images of the early, positive aspects of Fern’s integration into the family. |
| “The portrayal of the Cooke home’s emotional decay after Fern’s removal.” | Evokes a sense of the family’s disintegration and the loss of their previous stability. |
| “Rosemary’s recollections of the warmth and affection shared with Fern.” | Enhances the emotional connection between Rosemary and Fern, highlighting their bond. |
Personification
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “The Cooke family home seems to ‘sigh’ with loss.” | Attributes human-like emotions to the house, reflecting the family’s grief and change. |
| “Fern’s absence ‘haunts’ Rosemary’s thoughts.” | Gives human characteristics to Fern’s absence, emphasizing its lingering impact on Rosemary. |
| “The memories of Fern ‘whisper’ through Rosemary’s mind.” | Personifies memories to convey their persistent and gentle presence in Rosemary’s thoughts. |
Allusion
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “References to famous psychological experiments and theories.” | Connects the novel’s themes to real-world scientific studies and debates. |
| “Allusions to classic literature about family dynamics and ethics.” | Links the novel to broader literary discussions on similar themes. |
| “Mentions of philosophical debates about human and animal rights.” | Provides context and depth to the ethical considerations in the novel. |
Stream of Consciousness
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “Rosemary’s internal monologue about her family’s secrets.” | Captures the flow of her thoughts and feelings, offering insight into her mental state. |
| “The fragmented recollections of Fern and the family’s interactions.” | Reflects the disjointed nature of Rosemary’s memories and emotions. |
| “Rosemary’s thoughts during moments of emotional crisis.” | Shows her immediate, unfiltered responses and internal conflicts. |
Narrative Structure
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “The alternating chapters between past and present.” | Creates a dynamic narrative that reveals information gradually and enhances suspense. |
| “The fragmented timeline that mirrors Rosemary’s own disjointed recollections.” | Reflects the complexity of Rosemary’s emotional experience and the story’s unfolding. |
| “The use of Rosemary’s personal diary entries.” | Provides a deeper, more intimate look into her thoughts and feelings, enriching the narrative. |
FAQs
What is the central theme of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves?
The central theme is the exploration of family dynamics and ethical considerations in scientific experimentation. The novel examines how these factors impact personal identity and relationships.
How does Karen Joy Fowler use foreshadowing in the novel?
Fowler uses foreshadowing to hint at significant events and revelations, such as the eventual impact of Fern’s removal and the consequences of Lowell’s actions.
What role does Fern play in the story?
Fern, the chimpanzee, plays a central role as the catalyst for the family’s emotional turmoil and ethical dilemmas. Her presence and subsequent removal profoundly affect each family member.
How does the narrative structure affect the reader’s experience?
The nonlinear narrative structure allows readers to piece together the story gradually, enhancing suspense and deepening the emotional impact as more information about the characters and their past is revealed.
What is the significance of the family home in the novel?
The family home symbolizes stability and the impact of its disruption due to the experiment and the resulting family breakdown. It reflects the changes and emotional decay experienced by the characters.
Quiz
| Question | A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. What is the main focus of the experiment in the novel? | Animal behavior | Human psychology | Family dynamics | Ethical dilemmas |
| 2. Who is Rosemary’s brother? | Lowell | Fern | David | Robert |
| 3. What narrative technique does Fowler use to reveal the story? | Linear storytelling | Nonlinear storytelling | Flashbacks | Stream of consciousness |
| 4. What does Fern symbolize in the novel? | Human intelligence | Ethical issues | Family stability | Scientific progress |
| 5. How does Rosemary come to terms with her past? | Through therapy | By reconnecting with her family | Through writing | By forgetting the past |
Exercise
Identify the literary devices in the following paragraph from We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves.
“Rosemary’s memories of Fern were like pieces of a broken mirror—scattered and difficult to piece together. The house, once full of laughter and the clamor of Fern’s playful antics, now felt empty and cold, as though the walls themselves were mourning her absence.”
Answers
- Metaphor: “Memories of Fern were like pieces of a broken mirror” – Compares memories to broken mirror pieces, suggesting they are fragmented and hard to reconstruct.
- Imagery: “The house, once full of laughter and the clamor of Fern’s playful antics” – Creates a vivid picture of the house’s past vibrancy.
- Personification: “The walls themselves were mourning her absence” – Attributes human emotions to the house, enhancing the sense of loss and emptiness.