Politics

The novel’s political references and chronological setting create implicit connections between the main narrative and recent develops in American politics, thereby establishing a political framework through which to interpret the story’s more personal events. Specifically, the events of the main narrative take place during the month of Donald Trump’s inauguration, and protagonist Phoebe is highly aware of this fact. Equally notable is the role that the election has had in the recent events of her own life. Following Donald Trump’s election victory, Phoebe became quite disillusioned with institutions of government and media. She then quit her job at The New York Times, apparently upset with the Times’ inability to help prevent such a tragic outcome. Phoebe recognizes these dynamics when she says in narration, “Blame the election” (19) for her current circumstances. The novel thusly begins to establish these salient connections between the...