Alcohol

Alcohol is symbolic as a crutch and fleeting emotional support for Brian as he learns how to accept himself. As Brian enters the casual gay sex scene, he is overwhelmed by chasing after those he finds more desirable than himself and continually being rejected. Alcohol and other drugs are his only safe haven because when he is using he does not have to think about his emotional pain.

Money

Money represents masculinity and power within the novel. Brian’s father is allowed to be violent, emotionally and physically, in order to control his family while he has money. When he loses his job, however, he feels like his masculinity is stripped away because he no longer has as much leverage to control his wife and children when she begins earning her own money and autonomy.

Television

The television highlights Brian’s need to escape from the tediousness...