“I’m Positive”
Tolliver tells Ben, “You should know…I’m positive.” Tolliver’s disclosure is ironic for it could automatically discourage Ben from continuing their affair. However, the expose does not impact their relationship, for they become a couple. Tolliver is genuine in divulging his status since doing so validates that he is not intent on exploiting Ben and calculatingly infecting him.Their connection rises above Tolliver’s positive status.
“You’re supposed to be dead”
Ed Lyons tells Tolliver, “You’re supposed to be dead.” This assertion is ironic for Tolliver is still active. The ironic remark infers that Ed Lyons assumed that Tolliver would be dead by now considering the nature of his ailment. His survivor is absolutely miraculous. Tolliver has survived the ‘ darker days’ owing to the drugs that advance his immunity.
