Sexual Freedom

The theme of sexual freedom manifests from the novel's very early stages (Chapter 2, with Connie's reference to the city loosening people up) to its very last (the light banter between Connie, Brian and Michael at Mrs. Madrigal's party in Chapter 113 - interesting, isn't it, that Connie is involved in both). It is a thematic manifestation of one of the central philosophic principles of the novel's setting in time - anything goes, when it comes to breaking down the boundaries of what has been, for decades, a repressive society.

The theme of sexual freedom plays out in the lives and experiences of every central character, relationship, and narrative line - all the characters, to one degree or another, experience it, are challenged by it, are troubled by it, or some combination of the above. In many of the characters (Brian, Mona, Michael, even Connie), there is the sense...