One of the main themes in the novel, After Thursday, is physical handicaps... what is Abe's handicap, and how does he change over the course of the novel?

Abe is blind. As we get to know Abe, our first impression is one of a young man who is in control and able to take care of himself. He allows others to usher him from place to place, and he is willing to stay in the background at parties. Abe refuses to perform in public, although he is an accomplished pianist, and he is content to hide away and teach in a local school. He seems willing to allow his blindness to make him dependent on Marianne. Over the course of the novel, however, subtle changes take place in Abe's personality. He begins to insist Marianne allow him to do more for himself, suggesting he might look into getting a lead dog so he can go places alone. When he does take off alone without informing Marianne and leaving no message, it throws Marianne into a panic and then anger that he would be so selfish and thoughtless. In the end, Abe does become more selfsufficient, taking in stride a public performance as he accompanies Debbie in her concert.