Drinking Alcohol

The dominant theme of the novel is drinking alcohol. Henry is an alcoholic and rather than fight against this shortcoming, he embraces it as a defining characteristic. To Henry, life is drinking and he feels best when he is drunk. Every social situation in which Henry participates is focused on alcohol. For example, when Henry gives readings they are stale and boring unless he is simultaneously drunk and drinking. When Henry travels to distant cities, he prefers to sit inside and drink. When friends visit, Henry invites them inside and they drink. When Henry visits other people he calls ahead to ensure they have alcohol and if they do not, he buys huge amounts on the way. Henry's days are scheduled around the availability of the liquor store. He knows where they are, what they stock, and when they open and close. When he is alone, he...