Guilt and Blame Quotes in Ordinary People

Calvin believes that a parent is at least partially responsible for his child's actions, and he blames himself for the death of one son and the suicide attempt of another. Beth, though, distances herself from these issues as much as possible. She wants her children to exist completely independently of her. It's almost like she didn't even give birth to them.

Maybe a little guilt is healthy. But any guilt at all ruins Beth's idea of perfection, so she pushes any hint of it away as forcefully as she can.

Calvin, the tax attorney, puts his guilt into specific mathematical terms. Hey, whatever works for him to understand it. At least he accepts it, unlike Beth, who doesn't even acknowledge her own feelings…if she has any.