What is the theme in The Easter Parade: A Novel by Richard Yates?

Another theme is the futility of life. The end of the book leaves the reader with the idea that life goes by so quickly that sometimes in the end someone might look back and wonder what it was all about. Emily's life is filled with disappointments and the hope that there is always time to find what she is looking for. When that time runs out, Emily continues to look even as she finds herself isolated and without anyone to care about her. When Emily turns to Peter Wilson, it is only to assuage her guilt and to find out if there is anyone in the world who still cares.