This is the novel's key theme, manifesting on two key levels, narrative and symbolic. On a narrative level, that is, in terms of plot and action, several of the novel's key storylines explore ways in which artificiality is stripped away, allowing truth to emerge and therefore allowing the individual who had hitherto lived an artificial life to live fully and honestly. The most obvious example of this is Constance, who through her emotional and sexual involvement with Tomas Makris is forced to encounter her true self (sexual, emotional, historical) and embrace the kind of life that, the narrative suggests, she was meant to live. Somewhat less obvious examples of this narrative motif can be found in the story of Allison (forced to let go of her artificial dreams and understandings of her father.....
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