Independence

This is the main theme of the novel. The reader can clearly see the main character’s form of independence as a divorced middle-aged man that has been able to survive his son’s death and his wife’s remarriage. Bascombe also ties this theme into the speech he tries to give Paul during their weekend trip.

His understanding of how to achieve independence is that of being unified, and he explains to Paul the small fragments of his life need to be unified to become complete. The novel takes place over Independence Day weekend. Bascombe still struggles partly with this theme, while still in his “Existence Period,” and reflects on his past choices and his journey to becoming an independent man.

Family

Although he is divorced, Frank realizes the importance of relationships with his family. He has struggled up to this point to have a decent relationship...