Self-Absorption

As this novel begins, James and his family appear to be a somewhat comical version of the normal American family. James' parents are divorced, his mother twice divorced, and his sister is having an affair with a college professor. While these things might have seemed somewhat outrageous years ago, it is common place in this modern world.

As the novel progresses, the reader sees James interact with the different members of his family. On the surface they all seem quite caring and involved in one another's lives. However, as the novel continues to develop, it quickly becomes clear that each family member is dealing with his or her own problems and these problems keep them from seeing what is going on with other members of the family.

In the modern world, it is often difficult for people to see things beyond their own problems, their own situations. To...