In the final section of the book, I found it very interesting looking at the manifestation of blame among the characters, regarding the deaths of Emil and Marie. Lou and Oscar both blame Alexandra (which doesn’t surprise me based on their characters), Alexandra herself blames Emil and Marie for what happened to them, and Frank blames primarily himself, though he does say that he partially blames Marie, and that he hates her for “making [him] do [it]” (117).

However, does it seem as though Alexandra blames herself as well, but doesn’t speak of it? After all she has done a great deal to allow Emil to have (at least what she perceives as) more freedom in life and accomplish great things. Does she believe if she had done things differently this may not have happened? May that’s why she feels obligated to help Frank: the only person she can help now.