The Impermanence of Love

Cry Macho

This thread develops the novel’s argument that love is valuable despite separation, death, and the impossibility of a lasting guarantee.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Love Before Loss Love Before Loss from "Cry Macho". Love Before Loss A bond made through giving Mike finds in Laurie a generous love unlike the bargaining of his adult life.

Love Before Loss from "Cry Macho". Love Before Loss A bond made through giving Mike finds in Laurie a generous love unlike the bargaining of his adult life.

Love Before Loss A bond made through giving Mike finds in Laurie a generous love unlike the bargaining of his adult life. Vulnerability accepted The relationship makes him capable of joy and therefore vulnerable to grief.

Grief Becomes Silence Grief Becomes Silence from "Cry Macho". Grief Becomes Silence A loss that cannot be repaired Mike and Donna survive their daughter’s death but lose their shared intimacy.

Grief Becomes Silence from "Cry Macho". Grief Becomes Silence A loss that cannot be repaired Mike and Donna survive their daughter’s death but lose their shared intimacy.

Grief Becomes Silence A loss that cannot be repaired Mike and Donna survive their daughter’s death but lose their shared intimacy. Love altered Their continuing concern for each other cannot restore the marriage they once had.

A Life of Departures A Life of Departures from "Cry Macho". A Life of Departures Love missed or broken Rachel marries elsewhere, while Cissy disappears into illness and isolation.

A Life of Departures from "Cry Macho". A Life of Departures Love missed or broken Rachel marries elsewhere, while Cissy disappears into illness and isolation.

A Life of Departures Love missed or broken Rachel marries elsewhere, while Cissy disappears into illness and isolation. Repeated farewell Mike learns to associate attachment with helplessness and the fear of losing someone again.

Janasco’s Temporary Happiness

Janasco’s Temporary Happiness A life briefly shared Mike finds work, affection, food, and companionship among Marta’s household and the town’s people. The departure already present The beauty of the stay is shadowed by the knowledge that he must leave.

Sometimes Is Long Sometimes Is Long from "Cry Macho". Sometimes Is Long Permanence relinquished Mike accepts that even the best love may last only a short time.

Sometimes Is Long from "Cry Macho". Sometimes Is Long Permanence relinquished Mike accepts that even the best love may last only a short time.

Sometimes Is Long Permanence relinquished Mike accepts that even the best love may last only a short time. A life affirmed He chooses to return to Janasco, valuing what can be lived over what cannot be guaranteed.

During Laurie’s childhood

After Laurie’s death

During Mike’s memories of Rachel and Cissy

During Mike’s stay with Marta

After Mike crosses back into Texas