But even as we make these conclusions we feel our throats plugging up, because they are both true and untrue. So much has been written about the girls in the newspapers, so much has been said over backyard fences, or related over the years in psychiatrists' offices, that we are certain only of the insufficiency of explanations.
The quote reflects the complexity of understanding the lives of the Lisbon sisters in "The Virgin Suicides" by Jeffrey Eugenides. The narrator acknowledges the contradictory nature of their conclusions — that the girls' experiences are both explainable and ultimately mysterious. This duality captures the emotional turmoil surrounding their tragic story, suggesting that while many have attempted to make sense of the girls' actions, a complete understanding is unattainable.
This sentiment emphasizes the plethora of narratives surrounding the sisters, whether from media, community gossip, or therapy sessions. These layers of interpretation contribute to a realization that no single perspective can encapsulate their reality. The more people try to explain the sisters' choices, the more profound the sense of confusion becomes, highlighting the limitations of words and societal perceptions in grasping their true essence.
