Themes and message

The short story “Love in the Suburbs” by Maeve Binchy explores the theme of peer pressure through the character of Bonnie, but also the theme of differences. The author’s message is that teenagers are easily impressionable and, as a consequence, they can come to question their values because of peer press…

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Peer pressure

This theme is illustrated by the relationship between Bonnie and her friends, Justine and Sheila. Before inviting Justine to her house in the suburbs, Bonnie is not ashamed by the place she lives in; on the contrary, she finds it a natural part of Dublin and she does not understand why it should be considered otherwise.

When Justine, a “sophisticated” girl, finds out that Bonnie lives in the suburbs, she is shocked and disappointed. She mocks Bonnie because of the place she lives in and event…

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Differences of perspective

This theme is related to the way in which the suburbs – the place where Bonnie lives in – appear different according to the different perspectives of those who experience it and according to Bonnie’s steps towards maturity.

You could focus on the way in which the suburbs are portrayed by different people, according to their expectations. Justine, a sophisticated girl who adores the city lands…