In "The Virgin Suicides," Jeffrey Eugenides explores the haunting and tragic story of the Lisbon sisters, whose lives are shrouded in mystery and despair. The phrase "still point of the turning world" captures the essence of their existence amid the chaos of adolescence and suburban life. The sisters remain a focal point for the neighborhood boys, symbolizing beauty and unattainable desire while also embodying the deeper, unspoken struggles of their confined existence.
The narrative delves into themes of isolation, longing, and the elusiveness of understanding, as the boys reflect on their obsession with the sisters, trying to make sense of their actions. Ultimately, Eugenides paints a poignant picture of youth, nostalgia, and the complexities of life that lead to sorrowful outcomes. The phrase signifies both a moment of stillness in the turmoil of their lives and the tragic consequences of their silence.