Jude and Noah feel guilty about a lot of things. For different reasons, they feel responsible for the death of their mother. They also feel bad about the nasty stuff they've done to each other. (See Themes: Betrayal.) When all their secrets finally come out, they've spent so long wallowing in their own guilt that they don't really have the energy to cast blame. They're able to offer one another forgiveness and grace. Now they have the energy to worry about the stuff that really matters: their own—and each other's—happiness.
Questions About Guilt and Blame
- How does Noah help Jude let go of her guilt?
- Of all the characters, who do you think feels the guiltiest? Explain your answer.
- Why does Noah try to blame Guillermo for his mother's death?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Oscar, Noah, and Jude all struggle with feeling personally responsible for their mothers' deaths.
Jude feels guilty because that's an easier emotion to cope with than feeling sad.