ANALYSIS OF THE SECOND CHAPTER

The purpose of the present text is to find out the structural analysis purpose of the second chapter of Normal People by Sally Rooney.

First of all, I think the first purpose is to explain Alan’s physically abuses to Marianne, she received the affection of male figures only through violence and humiliation. Sally Rooney describes without judgment and condemnation how you can come into a vicious cycle of submission and violence, like Marianne. Although the figure of Connell relates to her in a different way, his sentimental research will be constantly altered and inclined towards submission.

After that, Sally Rooney draws  Connell’s figure: he is popular and well-adjusted; his sporting prowess, his good grades and his popularity at school are the main features of his personality. Connell considers his popularity and normality to be a part of his success, and his wish to maintain them drives him to misery and anxiety.

In addition, when Connell played football, Marianne wanted to see him having sex with someone, it didn’t have to be her, it could be anybody. Marianne is strange, she didn’t wear the same uniform every day as everybody and she disliked the arbitrary rules  in the College.

Gradually, it dawns on Connell that Marianne genuinely likes him and that he likes her back, but he still insists on keeping their relationship secret, lest the disgust that his classmates feel for Marianne transfer to him.

Concluding Marianne accepts this secrecy without question and finds it both exciting and shameful. She also believes it is what she deserves because there is something wrong with her.