The narrative arc of Zach Mulvaney is a critical element within Joyce Carol Oates’ novel, We Were the Mulvaneys. His experiences contribute significantly to the overall themes of family dysfunction, trauma, and the disintegration of an idealized American family. Zach’s story, interwoven with those of his siblings and parents, provides a lens through which the consequences of a single, devastating event are explored.
The progression of Zach’s life after the pivotal incident at school demonstrates the long-lasting impact of unresolved trauma. His journey is marked by alienation, self-destructive behavior, and a struggle to find his place in the world, both within and outside the fractured family unit. The exploration of these consequences emphasizes the profound and pervasive effects of silence and denial on individual development and familial relationships.
