Novel

This novel criticizes the differences between the genders, noticing that in their relationships to women, men are often thinking in a tool-usage way, perceiving the woman as opportunities to improve their lives. This leads to serious dysfunction for Anna and David, because although Anna is sacrificing for the relationship and family, David still believes Anna exists to make his life better.

In this view of the genders, David has made a slave of his wife. This does not mean there is nothing to be said for role, but David must sacrifice his limited understanding of relationship. The protagonist notices all of this and decides not to marry Joe for a litany of reasons, not the least of which is that she has been hurt before. The major symbol for this is that David makes his own wife wear makeup or else he will not be seen with her in public.