Fathers as Failed Models of Masculinity

The novel explores many themes pertaining to masculinity, one of which is the notion that fathers can be failed models of masculinity. This manifests in nearly every paternal relationship featured in the story: Corey and Leonard, Adrian and Leonard, Corey and Tom, Adrian and Frank (his father). Corey and Adrian share a common desire to establish a masculine sense of identity, but they lack healthy reference points to achieve this. Corey goes through various phases that do not lead to fulfillment, and Adrian’s obsession with abstract ideas leads him to homicidal psychosis. One of the failed reference points for Adrian and Corey is the paternal figure they both seek and at various moments assign to different men.

Leonard is a failure of a father to Corey. In the beginning of the story, Corey idolizes Leonard as an embodiment of intelligence...