Image

Image as a theme is very clearly demonstrated as early as the start of the book. Madeline is obsessing over her image because she feels like she’s getting older now that she’s turned 40. Throughout the book Madeline tries to counter her aging using different beauty products and wearing fashionable outfits. She wants to give off a youthful appearance. Her behavior also shows a certain type of image. She likes everyone to think of her as an intense person, hence why she plays up whatever emotion she’s feeling at the time.

The theme is also consistently shown through Perry and Celeste. Perry wants everyone to see how successful and wealthy he is. He’s always posting family images on Facebook to show off. He insists that Celeste wear elaborate and expensive outfits and gets upset if she ever gets anything that he considers tacky...