Sexuality
The main theme that is explored throughout the four stories is the theme of sexuality. All four stories are revolved around sex as the main focus of the story. In the two stories that are told to be diary entries from the narrator's uncle Oswald Cornelius, "The Visitor" and "Bitch" are stories about a sex-obsessed character that gets himself involved in humorous adventures and his wicked intentions that turn against him. "The Great Switcheroo" is a satiric story about a husband whose vile, sexual plan against his wife leaves him bitter and humiliated. "The Last Act" is the depressing story out of the four, about a woman who loses her husband to a tragic accident, and in the search of company contacts her love from youth, but realizes she can't be with another man sexually, especially this one who is obviously out for vengeance against her.
Misogyny
Another important theme, and one that is the most problematic in the stories, is the theme of misogyny. The male characters in the stories are extremely misogynistic, but this misogyny is there to portray highly unlikable characters, and the mess they end up in seems justified. Oswald Cornelius is the ruling character of misogyny, but also of pomposity. His view of the opposite sex and his self-importance is so ridiculous that he can be seen as comedic or even satiric. He isn't a character made to be liked, but a character whose self-important manner comes back to bite him. The anticipation and his own build of his self-importance is crushed at the end of each story as a result of his lack of judgement.
"The Great Switcheroo" is a story that can only described as satire, with the main husband completely disregarding his wife in every way possible, and realizing at the end his lack as a man, when the only time his wife was satisfied at sex is when he secretly opened the door to their bedroom to another man. The stories are criticized for the misogynistic messages, but the satiric, sarcastic tone connected to the portrayal of misogyny isn't to be overlooked.
