Irony of Publicity
Bill Gray despises all public attention. He staunchly believes that participation in mass culture dilutes and destroys his work. Therefore he retreats to a small town and refuses to engage in any publicity campaigns. Yet by being so secretive, Bill's actions have the reverse effect. Fans and journalists stalk search all over for the reclusive author, creating a large amount of attention. Thus it is ironic that although Bill retreats to avoid attention, in doing so he draws more attention to himself.
Writers and Terrorists
While Brita photographs Bill, he expresses his fear a terrorists have reduced the effectiveness of authors. He suggests that terrorists are those capable of swiftly changing the public consciousness, whereas authors once held that role. Brita is quick to assuage Bill's worries, saying that terrorists could never possibly take the place of writers like Bill; however, at the end of the novel Brita has stopped taking photographs of authors and instead photographs Abu Rashid, the Maoist terrorist. In this fashion, she directly confirms Bill's fears.
Scott the Protector
Scott lives with Bill and manages every aspect of his life. He takes care of Bill's affairs and household, allowing Bill to write without interference. He believes that he is protecting Bill from the negative influence of the outside world, those who will misinterpret Bill's work and belittle their value. Thus he convinces Bill not to publish his work. It becomes evident that his effect on Bill is domineering and controlling, although Scott views himself as Bill's keeper, Bill needs to be protected from Scott's own influence.
Bill to the Rescue
Bill finally leaves his home under the pretext of helping to free a Swiss poet being held hostage by a Maoist terrorist organization. As a respected public figure, Bill's involvement will supposedly aid in the release of the hostage. Yet Bill does not act to free the hostage, he acts to free himself. He himself feels hostage to his unfinished novel and to Scott and Karen who live in his home. Although his actions are inspired by the liberation of another, they are truly done in liberation of himself.
The Veterinarians
After Bill has been hit by the car in Cyprus, he feels a lingering pain. Eventually this pain grows considerably and he becomes concerned. He meets a group of veterinarians at a bar, and begins to consult them for medical attention. Yet he is not forthright with them about the true nature of the situation, instead suggesting that he is conducting research for a novel. It is evident that Bill's condition is grave, yet finds himself forced to hide behind his role as an author to confront the realities. This is exactly the way he lived his life with Scott and Karen, and it is this attitude that leads to his death. He was incapable of approaching the world through lived experience and lived instead through the written word, or the veil of his authorship. It is ironic because although he strove for a truthful representation of the world as an author, he himself could not live a life of truth as a human.
