Family Pictures: Boys Will Be Boys Summary

Marianne returns to school. On her desk in first year French, there is a picture of a man's penis with directions written on it. The class waits in anticipation of Marianne's reaction; however, she enters just before the bell, places her bag on the drawing and does not see it.

Family Pictures: Boys Will Be Boys Analysis

The obscene picture drawn on Marianne's desk is symbolic of the cruel nature of teenagers, especially in the time period this event takes place. In the 1970's, the victim of a sexual assault was often seen as unclean and, even to a certain extent, as though she had been asking for what she got. This also touches on the theme of perception. People's perceptions of Marianne have altered considerably in her absence.