Verity

Sex features heavily throughout the novel. Verity documents various sexual experiences with Jeremy in her autobiography. Verity views sex as a means of connection. She measures her intimacy with Jeremy in the amount of sex they have. For Lowen and Jeremy, they first bond emotionally. Their first sexual experience with each other solidifies the intense emotional bond they already feel. Lowen feels a release and empowerment after having sex with Jeremy that emboldens her. As an embodiment of their connection, sex allows Lowen to move with a newfound confidence. In addition, sex serves as a means of procreation. Verity uses this as a way to control Jeremy’s emotions as evidenced when she lies about being pregnant with a third child to avoid Jeremy’s displeasure with her. For Lowen and Jeremy, their act of unprotected sex, which leads to Lowen’s pregnancy, offers them a fresh start.

Twins often represent two sides united in their common form. Hoover best exemplifies this in the Crawford twins, Chastin and Harper. Lowen remarks on the differences between the twins as one is always smiling while one never smiles. These twins come to personify the two sides of Verity. Because she loves Chastin, Verity offers her unconditional love and affection.