Feelings Matter Less Than Actions Do

Actions matter more than feelings throughout the novel. This is seen primarily in the relationship between Mark and Julia, but it is also evident in Julia’s relationship with her mother.

Julia develops a deep friendship with Helen. Julia does not know exactly how to classify this relationship, but she admits that there is something sexual about her feelings. She seeks out Helen for guidance and support, and Helen primarily serves as a sort of mentor to her. When Helen leaves temporarily, however, Julia begins to have sex with Helen’s son, Nathaniel. It can be assumed that part of the reason she engages in this sexual relationship is to feel closer to Helen. While it is taboo for her to act out her sexual feelings with Nathaniel because she is married, it would be even more so to do so...