Body-Mind Connection

Throughout the book, the powerful connection between the body and mind is reinforced, especially in moments of stress and fear. Two characters, Bill and Isadore both feel an overwhelming urge to pee when faced with a fearful situation. Characters notice themselves sweating. Sweat is mentioned many times throughout the novel, usually denoting a character who is under stress or emotionally excited. Bill notices his sweat only after the magical moment passed between him and Maze. Though he was not immediately in stress in bed with Maze, his noticing of the sweat may represent a return to his hypervigilant perspective that is a result of his trauma during the war. Beatrice’s body is often in pain when she is under stress or anxious.

Not only is this connection illuminated, but Rich goes a step further by using physical ailments as stand-ins for mental ailments. Beatrice...