What is an important motif in the novel, Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish?

Masks are an important motif, as everyone in the story wears some kind of mask. For Clifford, it is the mask of a man trying to hide his sexuality. Helen tries to make herself appear as a strong woman who has hardened to the point of not caring. Susan wears the mask of a socialite and bon vivant, while in truth she is miserable.