In the novel "Prep" by Curtis Sittenfeld, the protagonist observes a conversation where a character named Gillian expresses her disdain for liberals, labeling them as hypocrites with a laugh. Her flippant remarks reveal a strong partisan stance, which seems oblivious to the diverse political views present in the room.
This moment highlights Gillian's confidence in her beliefs, despite her youth. At just sixteen, she aligns herself with the Republican party, prompting the protagonist to question how someone so young can already have such firm political convictions. This reflects themes of identity and the complex nature of political affiliations among youth.