Intermezzo Essay Questions

What contributed to the strained relationship between Peter and Ivan?

Years of resentment calcify into the Koubek brothers' strained relationship in the novel's present. Peter, the eldest, wields intellectual and rhetorical authority in a way that Ivan finds distasteful. During one confrontation, Ivan homes in on the subtleties of Peter's tone as a form of policing. As a successful lawyer and professor, Peter's professional and academic identities lend him intellectual credibility. He maintains that he argues for what he thinks is right, and he vehemently disagrees with Ivan's former political opinions.

On an emotional level, Peter feels abandoned by Ivan, who failed to support him during one of the most difficult moments of his life. After Sylvia suffered a car accident that left her with debilitating chronic pain, she broke up with Peter. Not only did Peter lose his relationship, but the life he had pictured for himself also vanished. The teenage Ivan was not capable of empathy and comfort during this time.

Why does Peter feel conflicted about being romantically entangled with two women?

Conforming to his conception of what constitutes "normal" matters a great deal to Peter. This connects back to his childhood as the son of an immigrant who felt pressured to assimilate. For Peter, a "normal" healthy individual does not engage in multiple romantic relationships. Despite the acceptance that various characters show toward ethical non-monogamy (including Peter's girlfriends, themselves), Peter feels intense guilt, shame, and embarrassment. Although Rooney does not explicitly make a moral judgment regarding polyamory or age-gap relationships, she suggests that clear communication is essential in any healthy relationship. This is something that Peter struggles with.

What keeps Margaret from truly embracing her relationship with Ivan for the majority of the novel?

Margaret feels caught between her genuine feelings for Ivan and the possible social consequences she could face from her community. As a recent divorcée, Margaret is hyperaware of what others think and say about her. She ethically questions the age gap between herself and Ivan. Overall, their relationship is arguably characterized as the healthiest in the novel due to the transparency, mutual respect, and nourishing care that they consistently show each other. The crux of Margaret's issue lies in choosing between social customs and her own authentic desires.

Analyze the potential for exploitation in Peter and Naomi's relationship.

Peter himself constantly analyzes the power imbalances and possible forms of exploitation taking place in his and Naomi's relationship. Firstly, he is older, professionally established, and financially secure. She, on the other hand, is a college student who would face destitution were it not for Peter's financial help and the online sex work she used to engage in. Their dynamic also changes when Naomi moves in with Peter following her eviction and arrest. According to Peter, he could be exploiting Naomi sexually and financially, while she could be exploiting him emotionally and financially. Although the power imbalances cause the lines of exploitation to blur, it is clear that Naomi and Peter truly care about each other.

Why is reconciliation possible for Ivan and Peter?

Past resentments and recent strains between the brothers culminate in a physical altercation that deeply upsets them both. Peter immediately regrets voicing his disappointment with their father so soon after his death. But he has no way to reach Ivan since Ivan blocked his number. Enough time passes to allow their anger to subside so that when they finally do speak, they both admit to having been idiots. Despite their differences, the brothers love each other and want the relationship to work.

The women in their lives also help orchestrate their reconciliation. Christine offers support and advice when Peter needs it most, also advising him to watch his temper. She texts him with news about Ivan's chess tournaments and whereabouts. Sylvia informs Peter that she sent a happy birthday message to Ivan, showing that she cares enough about Peter and his family to do so. Margaret, in particular, is central to their reconciliation. She always strived to see the conflict between Ivan and Peter from a balanced perspective. Despite the awkwardness of running into Peter alone at Ivan's chess tournament, she handles the situation with grace and humility. When Peter apologizes for the way he judged her in the past, she brushes it away by saying that "families are complicated" (Chapter 17).