The Midnight Disease

The midnight disease symbolizes the dangers of isolation and loneliness. The midnight disease is a term that Grady has coined to refer to the habit that writers have of becoming dangerously aloof and disconnected from other people. Q. articulates a similar idea when talking about his ideas of divided identities. Vetch, Grady, Q., and James all appear to be potential sufferers of this condition, and the novel illustrates the destructive effects of person disconnection.

Wonder Boys

Grady’s unfinished novel, Wonder Boys, symbolizes Grady’s search for sense and meaning in an often painful and chaotic world. For seven years, Grady has been working on an exceedingly long novel, the story of which he has increasing trouble defining. He eventually relinquishes Wonder Boys, which seems to represent his willingness to let go of past struggles and painful experiences, and instead look to the future...