Chapters 27-28, Ordinary People Summary

Chapter 27. In Dr. Berger's office, Conrad reveals a lot of pent-up guilt and frustration triggered by Karen's suicide. He admits to Berger that he thinks Jordan's death was his fault. Berger points out that he couldn't see his brother and that his brother was the stronger swimmer, so his guilt can only stem from the fact that he (the less perfect brother) survived. Berger accuses him of trying to become perfect and says the strain of that is what finally made him snap.

Chapter 28. In Dallas, Cal and Beth have a confrontation when Beth suggests another vacation and Cal makes the assumption that she means for all of them. Beth accuses him of over-protecting Conrad and he accuses her of making every conversation about her. Beth says she doesn't know what Conrad expects of her and says...