Fear

Through his diverse cast of characters' struggles to understand themselves and their sexualities, the author explores the complex nature of fear and anxiety. In the context of Lionel's story, fear keeps him in the margins of his social groups. At the start of the opening chapter, "Potluck," Lionel stands outside his classmate's apartment feeling "powerfully anonymous out there in the dark" (1). Looking into the party from outside, Lionel recognizes no one but the host, and feels "at once a comfort and a warning" (2). The reader can use this moment as a guidepost for the rest of Lionel's experience. Lionel is driven by a profound desire to feel "alive, in the world" (3). Yet as soon as he enters such lively social spheres, he is stilted by fear and discomfort. He wants to be with Charles, for example, and to share something akin to friendship with Sophie, yet...