Educated Characters Analysis
Tara Westover: Tara Westover, the protagonist and narrator, is a testament to the transformative power of education and the strength of the human spirit. Born the youngest of seven children in a survivalist Mormon family in rural Idaho, Tara’s upbringing was far from conventional. Her father’s paranoid fears of government interference and apocalyptic prophecies meant that Tara did not attend school, receive a birth certificate, or have access to medical care.
Despite these challenging circumstances, Tara’s innate curiosity and determination led her to self-educate, sparking a desire for formal education. This journey was not without its obstacles, as her pursuit of knowledge often clashed with her father’s beliefs and led to conflicts within her family. Tara’s academic journey took her from teaching herself enough mathematics and grammar to pass the ACT, to studying at Brigham Young University and eventually earning a PhD from Cambridge University.
However, Tara’s story is not just about academic achievement. It’s also a tale of self-discovery and the struggle to reconcile her desire for education and independence with her loyalty to her family and her roots. Tara’s relationship with her family, particularly her abusive brother Shawn, is a central theme in her memoir. Despite the physical and emotional abuse she endured, Tara’s resilience shines through. By the end of her memoir, Tara has carved out an independent life for herself, even if it means accepting the painful reality of her estrangement from her family. Her story is a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to question our beliefs, seek truth, and forge our own path.
Gene Westover: Gene Westover, Tara’s father, is a complex and pivotal character in “Educated.” A survivalist Mormon with a deep-seated mistrust of the government and modern medicine, Gene’s beliefs shape the unconventional upbringing of his children. Living in rural Idaho, he earns a living from scrapping and insists on radical self-sufficiency, refusing to send his children to school or to allow them access to healthcare.
Gene is a man of contradictions. On one hand, he is a hard worker with a strong faith, who instills in his children a love for their land and a sense of independence. On the other hand, his paranoia and rigid beliefs often put his family in danger, and his refusal to acknowledge or intervene in the abusive behavior of Tara’s brother Shawn leads to a great deal of suffering.
Despite his flaws, Gene is not portrayed as a villain. Instead, he is a product of his environment and beliefs, struggling to do what he thinks is best for his family. His character serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that extreme ideologies can have on family dynamics and individual lives. By the end of the memoir, his relationship with Tara is strained, symbolizing the high cost of her pursuit of education and independence.
Faye Westover: Faye Westover, Tara’s mother, is a character of resilience and transformation. Initially depicted as a traditional homemaker, Faye’s role evolves significantly throughout the memoir. She assists her husband in his scrapping business and takes on the role of an unlicensed midwife and herbal healer, despite the inherent risks and lack of formal training.
Faye’s character is marked by her struggle between submission to her husband’s extreme beliefs and her own growing independence. After a severe car accident leaves her with a brain injury, Faye turns to herbal remedies and intuitive healing, which not only provides her with a sense of purpose but also becomes a successful business venture. This newfound independence, however, is often overshadowed by her husband’s domineering presence and the patriarchal norms of their community.
Faye’s relationship with Tara is complex and fraught with tension. While she occasionally shows signs of supporting Tara’s educational pursuits, she ultimately fails to protect Tara from the physical and emotional abuse inflicted by her brother Shawn. Despite this, Faye’s character provides a nuanced perspective on the challenges of navigating familial loyalty, personal belief, and societal expectations.
By the end of the memoir, Faye remains an enigmatic figure. Her inability to fully acknowledge and confront the abuse within her family results in a strained relationship with Tara, symbolizing the painful cost of silence and complicity.
Shawn Westover: Shawn Westover, Tara’s older brother, is a central figure, embodying the darker aspects of the Westover family dynamics. Shawn is initially portrayed as a charismatic and hardworking individual, who shares a close bond with Tara during her early years. However, this relationship takes a sinister turn as Shawn begins to exhibit abusive behavior towards Tara.
Shawn’s character is complex and deeply troubled. He oscillates between moments of kindness and extreme violence, creating an environment of fear and unpredictability for Tara. His abusive behavior escalates after he suffers a head injury, which seems to exacerbate his violent tendencies.
Despite the physical and emotional torment he inflicts, Shawn is not held accountable for his actions. This lack of consequences is largely due to the family’s patriarchal structure and their father’s dismissive attitude towards the abuse. Shawn’s actions are often justified or ignored, further isolating Tara and contributing to her feelings of helplessness and fear.
Shawn’s character serves as a stark reminder of the damaging effects of unchecked power and the cycle of abuse. His presence in the memoir is a constant source of conflict and tension, driving Tara’s desire for escape and education. By the end of “Educated,” Shawn remains a menacing figure in Tara’s past, symbolizing the painful sacrifices she had to make in her pursuit of independence and self-discovery.
Tyler Westover: Tara’s older brother, is a character who embodies intellectual curiosity and sensitivity. Unlike the rest of his family, who are more inclined towards physical labor, Tyler is drawn towards the world of ideas.
Tyler’s departure from home to pursue higher education is a pivotal moment in the narrative. This decision not only estranges him from his family but also deeply affects Tara. However, it is Tyler’s thirst for knowledge that sparks a similar desire in Tara, showing her a life beyond their isolated mountain home.
As the narrative progresses, Tyler becomes a pillar of support for Tara. He encourages her to apply to college, despite the escalating violence at Buck’s Peak. Tara heeds his advice, seeks his help in preparing for admissions tests, and eventually secures a place at Brigham Young University.
Tyler’s role in Tara’s life is not just limited to being a mentor. He confronts their parents about their indifference towards Shawn’s violent behavior. This act of defiance strengthens their bond, and Tara relies on Tyler as she comes to terms with and seeks to heal from their traumatic past.
