In "The Cider House Rules," John Irving explores the emotional and mental toll of being mistaken about significant matters in life. The narrative emphasizes that navigating through life’s complexities can lead to misconceptions, particularly when they involve major decisions or beliefs. This theme resonates deeply, illustrating how the weight of incorrect assumptions can lead to exhaustion and disillusionment.
The book reflects on the struggles of characters as they confront their own fallacies and the repercussions these mistakes have on their relationships and choices. Irving invites readers to consider how acknowledging our wrongs is essential to growth, emphasizing that while being wrong can be tiring, it is also a fundamental aspect of the human experience.