Binx & Kate

            I like to note the juxtaposition of the Binx and Kate. Binx does not really make attempts to change his lifestyle or his ideals yet seems to make little changes that will end up benefitting his life in some way, all of which are attempts to be with his lovely secretary and her kidney-shaped cushion, whereas Kate seems to be making more conscious choices in changing her life and/or ideals yet she cannot settle on one set of changes. Binx even states that she ends up trapping herself in a notion and finds a way to get out, only to repeat the pattern.

Kate believes that Binx is the worse one off, him being “colder” than her (83). I want to agree with her but, unfortunately, I cannot explain why. One can see that Kate is getting worse psychologically, but Binx is the one that, although well adjusted financially and mentally, somewhat, cannot see the mundane that his life seems to be, only feeling at true peace/rest when he indulges his pleasures, like going to the movies and reading periodicals.

Obviously, with it only being half-way through the book, anything can change. Things can get better or worse; either way, it will be interesting to see how the dynamic of the two will change.