We realized that the version of the world {our parents} rendered for us was not the world they really believed in, and that for all their caretaking and bitching about crabgrass they didn't give a damn about lawns.
The quote from Jeffrey Eugenides' "The Virgin Suicides" highlights a gap between parental ideals and reality. It suggests that the world parents present is often a facade, influenced by their experiences and values, which may not align with their true beliefs. This dissonance can lead children to question what they have been taught, recognizing that their parents may prioritize appearances over genuine values.