Final answer:
In literary contexts, Ari's parents might pretend he doesn't exist as a way to cope with a traumatic or shameful event related to the brother. This device helps explore themes of family dynamics and secrets, setting up character development and plot progression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question seems to be referring to a narrative context where the character Ari's parents are avoiding the acknowledgement of Ari's brother's existence. This situation may arise as a literary device used by authors to depict themes such as family secrets, shame, or trauma. The parents might be pretending that Ari's brother does not exist due to a painful event or disgrace that is associated with the brother, which they wish to forget or keep hidden. This could be relevant to a myriad of issues ranging from criminal activities, social taboos, to psychological coping mechanisms.
Often in literature, such scenarios are used to create an atmosphere of mystery and to build the protagonist's character through his or her response to family dynamics. It introduces the reader to a family's complex emotional landscape, setting the stage for the protagonist to potentially uncover truths, develop personally, and possibly challenge or understand the family's silence.
For instance, in a story, if the brother was involved in criminal activities that brought shame to the family, the parents might choose to 'erase' his presence in family discussions to distance themselves from the pain of betrayal or societal judgment. Alternatively, the situation could arise from a traumatic event, where the mere mention of his name evokes painful memories they are not ready to confront. In either case, such fictional devices provide depth to the story, making it a topic of analysis on character behavior, family dynamics, and thematic development.