We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves is a compelling and thought-provoking novel by Karen Joy Fowler that intricately explores themes of family, identity, loss, and the moral dilemmas surrounding scientific experimentation. The story revolves around the life of Rosemary Cooke, a woman whose childhood was marked by a profound and mysterious event involving her sister. As the narrative unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through memory, truth, and the complex bonds that define us. The plot is carefully layered, revealing surprising twists and deep emotional insights, making it a powerful reflection on human relationships and the ethics of scientific research.
Overview of the Plot
The novel's storyline is crafted around the life of Rosemary Cooke, who narrates her experiences from her childhood through adulthood. The central mystery concerns her sister, Fern, and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, which initially remain unclear. The story is told non-linearly, with flashbacks and revelations gradually illuminating the past and its impact on the present. The novel explores how secrets and unspoken truths can shape an individual's identity and relationships, ultimately questioning what it means to be truly oneself.
Main Characters and Their Roles
Understanding the main characters is essential to grasping the novel's plot intricacies:
- Rosemary Cooke: The protagonist and narrator, whose perspective guides the reader through her memories and perceptions.
- Fern Cooke: Rosemary’s younger sister, whose mysterious absence and the circumstances of her life are central to the story.
- Mother (Lily Cooke): Rosemary’s caring but emotionally distant mother, whose decisions influence the family dynamics.
- Father (John Cooke): An academic and scientist involved in controversial research, whose actions have lasting consequences.
- Hugh: Rosemary’s brother, who struggles with the family secrets and his own identity.
- Animal Researcher/Scientist: A key figure in the novel’s exploration of ethical boundaries in scientific experimentation.
The Core of the Plot
The Childhood Years and the Disappearance of Fern
The novel opens with Rosemary as a young girl growing up in a seemingly typical family. Early on, readers learn that Rosemary and her brother Hugh had a pet chimpanzee named Safi, who was part of a scientific experiment. The narrative hints at a mysterious event involving Fern, Rosemary's sister, but the details are initially shrouded in ambiguity. It is revealed that Fern was a highly intelligent and emotionally sensitive child, who was close to Rosemary and Hugh.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Fern was taken away from the family under circumstances that are both scientific and ethically questionable. The family’s attempt to shield Rosemary from the truth about Fern's fate is a recurring theme, emphasizing the ways in which families often conceal painful realities.
The Role of Scientific Experimentation
A pivotal element in the plot is the family's involvement in a scientific study conducted by a researcher seeking to understand animal cognition and human development. Fern was part of an experiment involving raising a chimpanzee as a human child, with the goal of exploring the boundaries of intelligence and social behavior. This research was conducted in secrecy, and Fern's upbringing was unconventional and ethically complex.
The novel reveals that the scientist responsible for Fern's development intended to observe her as she grew, but the experiment's ethics and consequences were not fully considered at the outset. Fern's behavior, intelligence, and emotional responses were shaped by this experimental environment, which blurred the lines between human and animal treatment.
The Family Secrets and Their Impact
Rosemary’s family kept the truth about Fern’s situation hidden to protect themselves from societal judgment and personal pain. Over time, these secrets fostered feelings of guilt, confusion, and estrangement within the family. Rosemary, in particular, struggles with her own identity and understanding of her past, as she navigates the conflicting memories and truths.
Her parents’ decision to conceal Fern’s whereabouts and the nature of her upbringing creates a lasting rift, influencing Rosemary’s relationships and her perception of family loyalty. The narrative delves into how secrets can distort reality and hinder genuine connection.
The Revelation and Its Consequences
The climax of the novel occurs when Rosemary uncovers the full truth about Fern's fate. This revelation comes through a series of flashbacks, letters, and conversations that piece together the fragmented memories she has long suppressed. It is revealed that Fern was not simply lost or absent but was deliberately removed from the family after reaching certain developmental milestones.
The truth about Fern's existence, her upbringing, and her eventual removal challenges Rosemary’s understanding of her childhood and her family. It forces her to confront uncomfortable ethical questions about the experiments and the moral responsibilities of scientists and families involved in such work.
The Themes Explored in the Plot
The novel’s plot weaves themes that resonate deeply with readers:
- Family and Identity: The story examines how family secrets and shared histories shape our sense of self.
- Memory and Truth: The unreliable nature of memory is a recurring motif, with the novel questioning the reliability of personal recollections.
- Ethics of Scientific Research: The moral implications of using animals and humans in experiments are central to the narrative.
- Loss and Grief: The emotional toll of losing a loved one, especially in circumstances shrouded in secrecy, is a poignant aspect of the story.
- Human-Animal Boundaries: The novel explores what distinguishes humans from animals and the ethical considerations of crossing those boundaries.
Structural and Narrative Techniques
Fowler employs a non-linear narrative, shifting between past and present to gradually reveal the story’s secrets. This technique creates suspense and invites readers to piece together the puzzle alongside Rosemary. The use of multiple perspectives, including her brother Hugh’s reflections, enriches the narrative and offers diverse insights into the family’s dynamics.
The novel also incorporates elements of humor and irony, balancing dark themes with moments of levity. This stylistic choice makes the heavy subject matter more accessible and underscores the complexity of human emotions.
Conclusion
The plot of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves is a masterful exploration of how secrets, memory, and ethical dilemmas intertwine within a family. Through Rosemary’s journey of discovery, the novel challenges readers to consider the moral boundaries of scientific experimentation, the importance of honesty in familial relationships, and the elusive nature of truth and identity. The narrative’s layered structure and profound themes make it a compelling read that prompts reflection long after the final page. Ultimately, it is a story about understanding oneself and others amidst the often uncomfortable truths that define us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main plot of 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves'?
The novel follows the story of Rosemary Cooke, a woman reflecting on her childhood and the mysterious disappearance of her sister, Fern, which reveals complex family dynamics and secrets.
Who are the central characters in 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves'?
The central characters include Rosemary Cooke, her brother Lowell, her sister Fern, and their parents, whose relationships and secrets drive the story.
What themes are explored in 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves'?
The book explores themes such as family, memory, identity, ethics of animal experimentation, and the impact of trauma on personal development.
How does the novel's structure affect its storytelling?
The novel is told through a non-linear, reflective narrative, often involving Rosemary recounting past events, which gradually reveals the full story and the hidden truths.
What is the significance of the title 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves'?
The title suggests a sense of disorientation and emotional upheaval experienced by the characters, reflecting the novel's themes of confusion, loss, and the complexity of human relationships.
Is there a particular twist or revelation in the plot of 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves'?
Yes, a major revelation involves the true nature of Fern's disappearance and her identity, which significantly impacts the understanding of the family dynamics and the novel's themes.
