Coping Techniques

One of the major themes in the novel is the way the various characters deal with the uncertainty that comes with the slowing. Julia's mother is probably the character with the most common reaction to the slowing. She is worried and almost at the point of panic. The first day that the slowing is announced, she wants to keep her family close to her to be sure that they are safe. She sets about getting her family's emergency supplies in order. She also begins to collect canned foods and bottled water in case there are shortages. Julia's father, on the other hand, seems to believe that his wife is overly concerned with what is happening. He remains calm, almost to the point of being stoic. As a doctor, he is accustomed to thinking scientifically and does what seems most reasonable to him. He goes on with his...