Final answer:
In 'Educated,' the theme of self-coercion is depicted through Tara Westover's internal struggle between her academic aspirations and family expectations, as she pushes herself to meet high educational standards amidst exhaustion and mental fatigue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of self-coercion is prominently represented in chapters 25-31 of 'Educated' by Tara Westover. Self-coercion, in this context, refers to the pressure and mental constraints the author places on herself in pursuit of education, often at the expense of her own well-being and mental health. The narrative showcases Tara's internal struggles and the pressures stemming from her family's expectations and her own drive to succeed academically.
During these chapters, Tara is torn between her desire for knowledge and her loyalty to her family's way of life. Her persistent self-coercion manifests as she pushes herself to meet the high academic standards she has set, despite suffering from severe exhaustion and mental fatigue. This internal conflict illustrates the theme of self-coercion, as she forces herself to adhere to an educational path that is in direct conflict with her familial and cultural upbringing.