Society and Superficiality

Eugene is a creature of society, and all of his skills are designed to manipulate social situations. His particular art is the art of seducing women. He seems completely separated from natural human emotions and the natural human condition. He is caught up in all of the artificiality of society. However, society is essentially superficial. Social gatherings only deal with what is on the surface for everyone to see: outward beauty. The theater, which Eugene loves, is the epitome of this superficiality, a show of outward appearances for the enjoyment of others.

Superficiality is inherently unsatisfying. That is why all the games of youth seem to fade and pass away as people get older. No one can live a superficial life throughout their years. As all the characters grow older, passions, games, and social amusements lose their attractions. For Eugene, this disillusionment occurs quickly and severely...