“How can I describe loving, Brenda? It was so sweet, as though I'd finally scored that twenty-first point.”
Neil uses a sports metaphor to describe the first time he has sex with Brenda and although sports symbolisms and metaphors abound in the novel largely for comedic effect it is also telling of Neil’s perception of his relationship with Brenda. Although he genuinely enjoys the company of his beautiful girlfriend the nature of their relationship is largely a contest of power and leverage—hence the sports metaphor and the comparison to winning.
“…dies with an empty refrigerator, otherwise she'll ruin eternity for everyone else, what with her Velveeta turning green, and her navel oranges growing fuzzy jackets down below…”
Here is another example of the author’s comedic writing style woven throughout the novel. Neil genuinely loves his Aunt Gladys and this particular mention of her eccentricity is more an act of endearment rather than ridicule. Her refrigerator speaks of Aunt Glady’s attention and care for her to those in her charge. Moreover, the refrigerator—or rather the quality, variety, and quantity of food contained in it and the frequency of which it is emptied out and refilled—is indicative of a kind of lavishness. In the working-class community of Newark, many people have a tough enough time filling their larders but not Aunt Gladys.
“I wish that I had carried her glasses away with me, so she would have to wait for me to lead her back home.”
This is another statement that is telling of Neil’s perception of his relationship with Brenda. Their relationship is marked by a power struggle, more specifically who wields power over whom. Brenda has a significant advantage over Neil with her wealth and connections. Neil is dreadfully aware of this and as such he desires anything that might make him feel “more”—more important, more needed, more empowered—anything that would get his mind off the horrid feeling of inadequacy that he feels when he is with Brenda and her family.
