Finding Love
Though the narrative is set in Belfast during the Troubles a time when chaos and violence were the norm, it still focuses on romance and love. The two main characters Chuckie and Jake are men in their thirties hence at an age where the quest for love becomes more of a priority. Jake is a hopeless romantic but he is also fickle with his emotionS therefore falls in and out of love frequently. Even though he engages in a lot of casual sex he still thirsts for the romance he haD with his ex-girlfriend Sarah. Chuckie on the other hand finds love and pursues a relationship with an American woman, Max; hence his path is less rocky than his friend’s. Romance acts as a remedy of the chaos and violence that Belfast is bombarded by day in day out. Since the main characters are not interested in the political agendas and the violence taking place they place their passion in finding love.
Discontentment
The narrative meets the main characters at the prime of adulthood however they realize they have nothing to show for it. They feel discontent with their lives in terms of financial stability, love, and a fulfilling lifestyle. Both feel purposeless and the narrative is their journey towards adjusting the aspects of their lives. The theme of discontentment is observed through how Jake spirals after his break-up and Chuckie into making major changes in his life. Chuckie makes drastic changes as his lack of money prompts him to venture in dubious entrepreneurial ideas that pay off in the end. He acquires immense wealth for himself through his business ventures and eventually falls in love and proposes to Max.
Social Impact of The Troubles
The dichotomy in the lives of the characters and the ongoing conflict in the background aims to show how the human experience is affected in such times. In extension, highlights the social impact of chaos and conflict as the mindset of the populace adjusts to the disorder. Living aside such conflict over a long period they feel alienated from having an impact on it thus they choose to be unconcerned. Furthermore, the thin line the people tread when they are indifferent to the political differences taking place and careful not to utter the wrong sentiments. Living in a place and time when the future is uncertain and chaos is part of the fabric of society, the people revert to focus on the mundane things. In short, life goes on for them despite the strange times as the characters are concerned about finding love and have a fulfilling life. Moreover, while the violence of the conflict rarely comes up in the story the Fountain Street bombing is shown to affect their lives.