Morality

Questions of morality underpin many of the major plot points in the novel, as the narrative compels the reader to consider the forces that drive people to morally questionable actions. For example, the inciting incident of the novel is Jacob’s decision to steal Evan’s plot idea after Evan’s death. The novel’s portrayal of this moment is heavy with emphasis on questions of morality: “Later, of course, Jake would go back to this moment. Later, he would recognize it for the crossroads it was, but already he was wrapping this stark, years-after-the-fact set of circumstances in the first of what would be many layers of rationalization” (61). Jacob convinces himself that he is merely trying to save a story idea from oblivion. However, it is evident that personal greed and ambition are his true motivating factors. This moment illustrates ways in which people internally...