Maine Characters

Because many of the characters make morally questionable and even selfish choices, the novel suggests that embracing ambiguous decisions is simply a part of being human. The most prominent example of this dynamic can be found in the convoluted choices of the late Hank Levy, whose moral ambiguity is shown in the contrast between his decision to keep two separate families during his life and his generosity toward both families after his death. Vivian insists that Hank “wasn’t a good person” because he cheated on her mother Celeste (227), fathered a daughter (Lucy) whom he abandoned for 11 months of the year, and abandoned Lucy’s mother, Dawn, to raise a child alone. Vivian is very clear on his shortcomings and the negative moral implications of his choices. By contrast, although Lucy realizes that Hank did “the bare minimum” for her and “played favorites with his kids” (244), she also recognizes that “[n]obody is all good or all bad; there are always shades of gray” (244). This metaphor is designed to acknowledge that despite Hank’s failures in life, he clearly loved both of his daughters and wished to redeem himself somewhat with his choice to leave Vivian, Lucy, and Dawn substantial trust funds after his death.