As I continue to read the novel Life Class, certain things remain constant themes or motifs. Innocence and vulnerability are clearly present in a book that focus' on young love. And as I read further I've noticed that also the theme of whether or not one should push to find the truth within a relationship or enjoy the peace while you still have it remains present. This theme, so far, applies to Paul, who questions the liability of Teresa's "crazy ex-husband" but cannot make the decision to blatantly ask her about it. After Paul and Teresa have a toss up about his seeing her ex-husband at the fair, Paul reflects on his decision not to press her about him, Barker speaks for Paul when he writes, "He should have challenged her about the note, only he knew that if he did and she lied it would be the end of the affair. And he wasn't ready for it to end" (84). The "affair" refers to the relationship between Paul and Teresa which is exciting and interesting but as it continues, Paul finds there is a lot that he still doesn't know about her. And by learning about Teresa secretly, Paul is faced with the question of whether or not understanding Teresa and her husband's relationship is worth risking his relationship with Teresa.
Teresa's vulnerability is one that is obvious, but Paul's is only now becoming more apparent when he can't make the decision to confront Teresa about her ex because he doesn't want to lose her. Paul is vulnerable in this situation also because the fact of the matter is that Paul is now the "other man" in Teresa's relationship with her ex-husband and as Paul's emotions are already unstable, the threat of an angry ex husband can lead to further vulnerability. As I continue to read I am watching for more examples of innocence and vulnerability like Teresa and Paul.
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