Vanity and the lack of common sense
Almost every character in this novel behaves ridiculously. One of the main reasons of this unfortunate tendency is – of course – vanity. For instance, let’s have a look at Ambrose Abercrombie who seems to believe that he is responsible for the reputation and glory of the United Kingdom. He is so taken up with this idea that he dares to intrude into the privet lives of other Englishmen in the United States. Even a little and absolutely harmless gossip about his fellow countrymen makes him believe that his image of a perfect gentleman is at stake. What is more, Francis Kinsley hangs himself when he finds out that he has been fired. They can’t put up with the idea of living in a shadow of more fortunate and more talented ones and can’t stand an idea of not being the best.
Escapism
What is Whispering Glades? It is nothing more than a sheer inability to accept an idea of death. It is a rather difficult task to put up with an idea that this is the end. Some psychologists would probably mention that it is how our brains work and it does seem quite realistic, but Whispering Glades blows a concept of saying goodbye to a loved one out of proportion. This is simple escapism. Dead ones are dressed, painted, get their hair done by the best hairdressers, and lie in their coffins as if they are just asleep. What is the need to make them look less dead? As it has been already mentioned, it is escapism at its finest.
Love as it is
Aimee hopes for a happily ever after with a man who is sensible, loving, caring, talented, hard-working, and whatnot. The young woman doesn’t admit it openly, but she is simply in loved with an American dream. Unfortunately for her, there is nothing perfect in this life. Aimee struggles to choose between a poet whose cynical remarks break her hear every time and a colleague who is too spineless to take matter into his own hands. The outcome is tragic. As soon as she realizes that she can’t have it all, her life loses its meaning. She doesn’t even think twice before putting an end to it.
