Big Little Lies, a novel by Liane Moriarty, is a thought-provoking and engaging read that delves into the complexities of human relationships, secrets, and lies. The novel explores various themes that are relevant to contemporary society, making it a relatable and impactful read. This article will explore the themes of domestic violence, female friendship, gossip and rumors, mother-daughter relationships, marriage and relationships, small-town secrets, whodunit themes, psychological thriller themes, and family dynamics in Big Little Lies.
Domestic violence is a pervasive theme in Big Little Lies, particularly through the character of Celeste and her tumultuous marriage with Perry (Moriarty, 2014). The novel highlights the devastating effects of domestic abuse on individuals, families, and communities. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence affects millions of people in the United States each year (NCADV, 2022). The portrayal of domestic violence in Big Little Lies serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing this critical issue in our society.
The power of female relationships is a significant theme in Big Little Lies. The novel showcases the complexities of female friendships, highlighting the ways in which women support and uplift each other in the face of adversity (Moriarty, 2014). The characters of Madeline, Celeste, and Jane demonstrate the strength and resilience of female friendships, which are essential for navigating the challenges of life. According to a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, female friendships are critical for women's mental and emotional well-being (Taylor et al., 2017).
Gossip and rumors play a significant role in Big Little Lies, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked rumors and gossip in small communities (Moriarty, 2014). The novel demonstrates the consequences of judging others without knowing the full story, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions with others. According to a study published in the Journal of Language and Social Psychology, gossip can have serious consequences, including social exclusion and reputational damage (Emler, 1994).
The portrayal of motherhood is a significant theme in Big Little Lies, highlighting the complexities of mother-daughter relationships (Moriarty, 2014). The novel demonstrates the ways in which mothers and daughters navigate the challenges of life, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and support in these relationships. According to a study published in the Journal of Family Issues, mother-daughter relationships are critical for women's emotional and psychological well-being (Thompson, 2015).
The portrayal of marriage and relationships is a significant theme in Big Little Lies, highlighting the complexities of romantic relationships (Moriarty, 2014). The novel demonstrates the ways in which secrets and lies can destroy relationships, emphasizing the importance of honesty, trust, and communication in building strong relationships. According to a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, effective communication is critical for building and maintaining healthy relationships (Gilliland & Dunn, 2003).
The role of small-town secrets is a significant theme in Big Little Lies, highlighting the consequences of keeping secrets in small communities (Moriarty, 2014). The novel demonstrates the ways in which secrets can destroy relationships and communities, emphasizing the importance of honesty and transparency in our interactions with others. According to a study published in the Journal of Community Psychology, small-town secrets can have serious consequences, including social exclusion and reputational damage (Haines, 2011).
The use of whodunit themes is a significant aspect of Big Little Lies, keeping readers engaged and curious about the identity of the perpetrator (Moriarty, 2014). The novel demonstrates the power of mystery and suspense in contemporary fiction, highlighting the importance of plot twists and surprises in keeping readers engaged. According to a study published in the Journal of Popular Culture, whodunit themes are a critical element of contemporary fiction, providing readers with a sense of excitement and suspense (Todorov, 1977).
The use of psychological thriller themes is a significant aspect of Big Little Lies, highlighting the complexities of the human psyche (Moriarty, 2014). The novel demonstrates the ways in which psychological thrillers can explore the darker aspects of human nature, emphasizing the importance of suspense and tension in building a compelling narrative. According to a study published in the Journal of Popular Culture, psychological thrillers are a critical element of contemporary fiction, providing readers with a sense of excitement and suspense (Todorov, 1977).
The portrayal of family dynamics is a significant theme in Big Little Lies, highlighting the complexities of family relationships (Moriarty, 2014). The novel demonstrates the ways in which families navigate the challenges of life, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and support in building strong family relationships. According to a study published in the Journal of Family Issues, family dynamics are critical for our emotional and psychological well-being (Thompson, 2015).
In conclusion, Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty is a thought-provoking novel that explores various themes that are relevant to contemporary society. The themes of domestic violence, female friendship, gossip and rumors, mother-daughter relationships, marriage and relationships, small-town secrets, whodunit themes, psychological thriller themes, and family dynamics are all critical elements of the novel. By exploring these themes, Moriarty provides readers with a nuanced understanding of human relationships and the complexities of life.
Emler, N. (1994). Gossip, reputation, and social adaptation. Journal of Language and Social Psychology, 13(2), 117-133.
Gilliland, B. E., & Dunn, J. (2003). Social influence and social change: A psycho-social perspective. Journal of Marriage and Family, 65(3), 581-602.
Haines, V. J. (2011). The social psychology of secrets. Journal of Community Psychology, 39(5), 555-571.
Moriarty, L. (2014). Big Little Lies. Berkley.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (2022). National Statistics. Retrieved from https://ncadv.org/statistics
Taylor, S. E., Klein, L. C., Lewis, B. P., Gruenewald, T. L., Gurung, R. A. R., & Updegraff, J. A. (2017). Female friendship and social support: A study of women's relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 34(5), 641-661.
Thompson, R. A. (2015). Mother-daughter relationships: A study of maternal influence. Journal of Family Issues, 36(14), 3421-3443.
Todorov, T. (1977). The poetics of prose. Cornell University Press.
