Symbiosis

Throughout the novel the author explores the symbiotic relationships between individuals through her complex network of interconnected characters. These relationships include Eliza and Rachel's marriage, Rachel and the ant's connection, Arthur and Zeus' codependency, and others. Through Eliza and Rachel's dynamic the author shows the ways in which the two women both rely upon and create the other's identity. Through Rachel and the ant's unexpected union, the author explores "a consciousness within a consciousness," and the ways in which this interlocked mental capacity creates "the necessary conditions" for survival (91). Ward extends this thematic exploration into her character study of Arthur and Zeus as individuals and mental partners. Though Arthur believes Zeus exists solely because of his desires and goals, in Chapter 9, Zeus argues that their relationship is a mutual exchange. He tells Arthur: "You exist because of me and I exist because of you" (214). By the...