Big Little Lies

Moriarty utilizes the story of Big Little Lies to show the importance of domestic violence awareness. The story utilizes Max and Perry to achieve this. Bullying at the school in the opening chapters introduces the topic of violence in a normally peaceful and quiet setting, the suburbs. Max keeps his bullying secret, making sure not to do it in front of the parents and threatening the girls he hurts into silence. Max’s bullying at the school introduces how violence can happen in innocuous settings. Perry’s abuse, then shows a mature manifestation of that kind of violent behavior. Like the bullying, Moriarty chooses to have the details of Perry’s violence bubble to the surface. In Chapter 13, while walking at the school, Celeste remembers being hit the night before. By Chapter 22, when Perry and Celeste are watching TV, the violence is current and immediate, and in Chapter 54, Perry slams Celeste’s head against a wall. Alternating chapters from the other characters’ perspectives juxtapose these increasing scenes of terror and shock; the whole time this is going on, no one suspects a thing. In both these storylines, the story shows how violence can occur in unlikely places and be affecting our neighbors and friends without us having the slightest clue.

By the end of the novel, the horrors of domestic violence are clear, but, on a positive note, so are solutions to stop it. Celeste’s decision to go see a therapist in Chapter 33 proves to be nothing but beneficial. She remembers herself before Perry and makes plans to create a future without him, showing how seeking professional help can be healthy for processing and planning. Friendship, too, proves to be a vital resource for victims of domestic violence. When Jane confides in Madeline about her assault, Jane feels a weight lift. Although Jane doesn’t seek professional help, she heals with the help of her friends, thinking at one point “some of the happiest moments of her life had taken place over the last few months” (292). Lastly, Celeste’s final chapter shows how victims are not just victims, they can be strong and supportive while they heal. Celeste continues to grapple with her feelings for Perry but is stronger now and able to help spread awareness about domestic violence. Moriarty doesn’t shy away from the gritty details of abuse but does so respectfully by having her character’s recover from it. 

The community of Pirriwee—the neighbors, parents, and shopkeepers—manages to be both a place of contention and respite. The testimonials throughout the novel provide bite-sized examples of the negative environment a group can create. Harper, for example, relentlessly offers negative opinions. After Madeline accidently hits Renata’s car, Harper’s testimonial states, “Look, I don’t want to be the one casting aspirations, but Madeline deliberately rammed Renata’s car the day before the trivia night” (445). Madeline doesn’t simply contend with her own problems; she also must deal with the hostile opinions of others around her. By incorporating the testimonials, minor characters gain more power and influence. Unfortunately, their power often spreads negativity. Hope comes at the end, however. After the drama has unfolded, Mrs. Lipmann offers a more hopeful opinion: “I think perhaps we’ve all learned to be a little kinder to one another” (478). Big Little Lies shows how harmful gossip can be by allowing the testimonials to paint the story with negativity and judgement. Perry’s death at the trivia night steers the community in a healthier, collective direction.

Madeline, Jane, and Celeste’s interactions with other side characters prove to be more positive and shows the numerous ways a close-knit community makes for a healthier and happier life. Tom, for example, is universally cherished for his demeanor. Throughout the story, Blue Blues gives the women a safe space where they can relax. Even when Graeme threatens Jane at the café, Tom quickly steps in and sends him off, cementing him and Blue Blues as positive members of the Pirriwee community. Mrs. Ponder and her daughter Lucy, while very minor characters, also prove to be kind and caring. Mrs. Ponder helps Jane identify Ziggy’s lice. Lucy not only gets rid of the lice; she gives Jane a haircut that further increases her confidence. While many of the residents of Pirriwee choose gossip and drama, the neighbors who practice kindness offer much needed relief while the drama unfolds.