What is the theme in We Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates?

One major theme in the novel, We Were the Mulvaneys, is perception, specifically how people view the members of the family and how the Mulvaneys perceive the people around them. Michael Mulvaney Sr. is the kind of man who thrives on the idea of being important in his community, of being a member of the elite crowd. Michael wants to be a member of the country club, he wants to be friends with mayors and senators, and he wants to be included in something he perceives as special.