Alec's Name

Alec is a short form of the name Alexander which is associated with the meaning of a helper of mankind. Alec plays this role throughout the novel. He writes for a political magazine, thus trying to inform people. He tries to help his mother keep the house she loves so much by trying to help Michael become a functional member of society so that he will not have to rely on his mother for financial aid. He wants to help Michael return to what he thinks is his real self and is willing to spend time with him to get him to this point.