Something sick at the heart of the country had infected the girls. Our parents thought it had to do with our music, our godlessness, or the loosening of morals regarding sex we hadn't even had.
In "The Virgin Suicides," Jeffrey Eugenides explores the deep-rooted societal issues that plague a suburban community, as seen through the troubled lives of a group of girls. The parents attribute their daughters' struggles to the influences of modern music, a perceived loss of religious values, and a general decline in sexual morality. However, this reflects a broader unease within the community itself, suggesting that the girls are a reflection of something far more disturbing occurring in their environment.
The narrative highlights the disconnect between the adults' perceptions and the reality faced by the girls. While the parents believe they can pinpoint the source of the turmoil, it is evident that the underlying sickness runs deeper, hinting at a collective malaise in the culture that ultimately affects the youth. This haunting examination of the generational divide and the search for meaning illustrates how external pressures can shape and sometimes destroy lives.