We Were Liars is a gripping young adult novel by E. Lockhart that centers on the Sinclair family and their glamorous lifestyle. The story follows the protagonist, Cadence Sinclair Eastman, and her family as they vacation on a private island every summer. However, the idyllic setting is disrupted when Cadence experiences a traumatic accident that causes her to lose her memory. As she tries to piece together the events that led to her injury, she discovers that her family has been keeping dark secrets from her. The novel explores the themes of privilege, family dynamics, and the consequences of one's mistakes.
One of the prominent archetypes in We Were Liars is the fall. Cadence's accident, which occurs early in the novel, serves as a literal and metaphorical fall. The physical injury she sustains is a manifestation of the emotional and psychological trauma she experiences as she uncovers the truth about her family. Cadence's fall also represents a loss of innocence and a shift in her perception of her family and their privileged lifestyle. Through her journey, Cadence learns that the facade of perfection that her family has presented to the world is built on lies and secrets.
…show more content…
Cadence's memory loss renders her a lost child, both physically and emotionally. She feels like she is adrift and disconnected from her family, who are keeping secrets from her. Cadence's journey to recover her memories and uncover the truth about her family is a metaphorical quest to find herself and her place in the world. Through her search, she learns that her family's wealth and status have come at a great cost, and that the superficial trappings of their lifestyle have blinded them to the true value of family and