Age

The theme of Age predominates the novel in that all of the characters are dealing with the notion of growing older. Most view aging with disdain and fear, as if it were something to be avoided at all costs. At the beginning, when John is considering whether or not he wants to take the cure, he considers his father and what he's gone through as he's aged. John doesn't think he has the guts to grow old. In fact, he is fairly vain and doesn't want to eventually lose his looks, his hair, or his waistline. If the cure can keep him looking as if he's in the prime of his life, he rationalizes, then why wouldn't he get it?

However, an alternate viewpoint is offered from several characters. First, there is John's father, who is concerned about the cure and its ramifications. He tells John...