In Jeffery Eugenides' "The Marriage Plot," the character Madeleine reflects on her sister Alwyn's past actions and beliefs as she matures. She comes to understand that Alwyn's rebellious behavior and commitment to liberation were largely influenced by the prevailing trends among her peers. This realization highlights how social dynamics can shape individual choices and political expressions.

As Madeleine gains perspective, she recognizes that Alwyn's iconoclasm was not solely a product of her own convictions, but rather an alignment with the attitudes and behaviors of her social circle. This acknowledgment emphasizes the impact of collective identity on personal development and the complexities of individual agency within societal movements.