Approval
The story is framed as a son's quest for the approval of his father, which is a deeply archetypal story, and thus one with mythic overtones. The young prince, Rick, desires to please his father, but that takes him through a journey that is not straightforward. For instance, the pressure he endures drives him to escapism, and his father must save him, which confuses his efforts. When he realizes that he has to follow his calling, he turns to reflect on what he knows about himself.
Failed romance
The story of Rick is also a story of a failed romantic whose desperate quest was more important than his urge to plant himself in a single spot and start a family. He wants to be epic, and thus struggles with narcissism. When he looks back to write about his life, the only logical ebb and flow to follow is his relationship to women. Even when he analyzes those relationships, he comes out with an understanding of himself, not of them necessarily, nor of marriage.
Wisdom and peace
Although wisdom is the bane of his existence, the wisdom of his girlfriends points him to accept responsibility, to give himself his own approval, and to prioritize peace in his life. He struggles through his time, but by wisdom, he might eventually reorganize his priorities until finally, something works. The quest for his father's approval is also a quest for peace, and when he goes home to the East, there is the promise of catharsis.
