Relationship

Richard's relationship with C. is a central focus of the book, and a relationship out of which all others seem to radiate. The fact that Richard refers to her, and all the places they lived together with only one letter demonstrates the superficiality and distance within their relationship. While they live in the U.S., C. is constantly looking for her sense of self and grounded identity. Richard uses this state to keep her attached to him so that he can feel complete as well.

Richard is continually haunted by the ghost of his father and his disappointment in Richard's career choice. C. provides comfort to Richard, inviting him to share the story of his father. Richard mistakes C.'s silence for steadfastness, when in reality it is terror. Richard then bases an entire relationship on that one moment in the quad—a moment he interprets incorrectly...