Failure of Love

Despite the fraught nature of the main characters’ relationship, their connection does appear to be primarily romantic, and the narrative’s examination of their love reveals the complex and fraught nature into which romantic connections may evolve. Because the narrative appears to take place at a moment of crisis in the relationship, the story examines love through the lens of romantic deterioration. Thus, the reader may deduce the couple’s more functional romantic past via the present moment in which their relationship seems to be ending. For example, Mitch states in narration, “[Mayfly] is lying. When it is the truth she will go crazy trying to get you to believe her” (229). Despite the fact that this thought conveys a sense of distrust, it is based in a sense of intimacy. Mitch knows Mayfly well enough to sense when she is likely lying; he is...