Religionens rolle i 'The Virgin Suicides'

The Lisbon’s are one of the only family’s in their neighbourhood who attends church. The Catholic mom who is very devout tries to raise her daughters after her beliefs. Only allowing her daughters to attend school and go to church, from my perspective religion almost becomes like a form of punishment for the girls, but a source of comfort for their parents. Usually, religion should bring you closer to each other, happier and engaged with a community of other believers. However, this does not apply to the Lisbon’s, they’re miserable and isolated.

The theme of religion is prevalent throughout the novel and is embodied as a religion for the greater good, religion as the key to a great upbringing, religion as the path of life.

I am intending to analyze the parents' approach to their religion, the role of Catholicism in the girls' upbringing and how religion influences the Lisbon’s.

When the youngest of the sisters; Cecilia, commit her suicide attempt she was found with a slit wrist and holding a picture of Virgin Mary in her hand with a text on the backside;

“The Virgin Mary has been appearing in our city, bringing her message of peace to a crumbling world. As in Lourdes and Fatima, Our Lady has granted her presence to people just like you. For information call 555-MARY. “