Friendship

Friendship is a theme that flows throughout the story. Clifford and Helen are great friends, as well as cousins. Clifford makes many friends in San Francisco that show him a whole new world. Susan, Josh, and Nathan were friends in the beginning of the story.

Masks

Everyone in the story wears some kind of mask. For Clifford, it is the mask of a man trying to hide his sexuality. Helen tries to make herself appear as a strong woman who has hardened to the point of not caring. Susan wears the mask of a socialite and bon vivant, while in truth she is miserable.

Regrets

Some of the characters bear regrets for their lives/actions. Josh regrets betraying Nathan by cheating with Susan. Clifford regrets the fact that he had to watch his friends die. Hiram regrets being ill and not being able to communicate or...