On the way home from school we go to the record store…
![“On the way home from school we go to the record store... [Cordelia] expects me to roll my eyes in ecstasy, the way she does; she expects me to groan. She knows the rituals, she knows how we're supposed to be behaving, now that we're in high school. But I think these things are impenetrable and…” quote by Margaret Atwood](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/76c/margaret-atwood-40_behaving_on-the-way-home-from-school-we-go-to-the_2926886.jpg)
““On the way home from school we go to the record store... [Cordelia] expects me to roll my eyes in ecstasy, the way she does; she expects me to groan. She knows the rituals, she knows how we're supposed to be behaving, now that we're in high school. But I think these things are impenetrable and fraudulent, and I can't do them without feeling I'm acting.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Adolescents feel pressured to perform expected social rituals, which can feel fake and alienating.
In simple terms: Teen rituals feel forced and fake.
Key Takeaway
Question and define your own authentic behavior.
Themes
identity
conformity
adolescence
Mood
introspective
critical
Type
narrative
psychological
When to use this quote
- high school gatherings
- family events
- peer pressure situations
Key Concepts
social performance
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you ever feel compelled to act inauth?
- What authentic alternatives can you create?
A Different Perspective
Such rituals can also provide a sense of belonging and shared culture.