Men at Mid-Life

The term “mid-life crisis,” used most frequently to describe the experience of men of an age anywhere from their mid-thirties to their mid-fifties, is essentially a shorthand term for the sort of confusion about identity and purpose that is the central, defining aspect of protagonist Rich Fischer’s story, and his narrative of that story (two different, but related, things). In terms of the former (Rich’s story; the choices and events that define that story’s plot; and the transformation Rich undergoes as a result of both), this theme essentially manifests in the two clearly defined poles and parameters of his existence (i.e. his married life; everything else) and the conflicting choices he makes in order to stay connected to each. In terms of the latter (Rich’s narrative, or telling, of that story), this theme essentially manifests in his contemplation and...