How does Ralph's death affect Frank's life? Can all of Frank's problems be traced back to Ralph's death? What about the end of Frank's marriage? What caused the marriage to fail? Was it Frank's affairs or was it his refusal to share his emotions with his wife? What is the difference? Why is this distinction important to the theme of the novel?

Why does Frank have multiple affairs? What does Frank mean when he says that he attempted to immerse himself in the lives of these women? Why does Frank do this? Why is Frank unhappy with his own life, the definition he has of himself?

What does Frank hope to get out of his relationship with Vicki? Why does this relationship go sour? What does Frank do to change Vicki's mind about him? Why does Frank want to be friends with Vicki's father...