The Summer of Broken Rules

One of the challenges that Meredith faces throughout the novel is that she does not know how to exist as her own person, free from the influences and expectations of others. She often relies on the people around her to determine what she should or shouldn’t be able to do. To emphasize this initial dynamic, the first action Meredith takes is a role that Claire used to fill for the family: the job of ordering the truffle fries at their traditional lunch spot on the way to Martha’s Vineyard. However, she does not step up willingly; rather, she does so because she feels as though she is obligated to somehow fill the gap that her sister’s death has caused in the larger family structure, thus attempting to become Claire rather than being herself (3). Similarly, when Meredith reunites with Sarah and explains how she insulted Ben over the phone, Sarah uses one of Claire’s favorite phrases for Meredith “assert yourself” (17). The early chapters thus establish Meredith as a character who is dependent upon the opinions of those around her to decide who to be.

When the family game of Assassin is announced, Meredith takes this development as her opportunity to step out of Claire’s shadow and win the game in honor of her older sister.