When doing my readings for A Visit From the Goon Squad, I noticed a common theme of
impermanence. It is a more subtle motif but can be seen throughout the novel in
specific incidences of the character’s lives. Jennifer Egan states that time is
one of the themes of the story and change is very closely related to the
concept of time. This point of impermanence can be seen in the relationships between
characters. No one remains connected to those who are once a large part of
their lives.
This is particularly obvious in the marriages mentioned.
Bennie and Stephanie, Scotty and Alice, and Lou and both Mindy and his first
wife all have marriages that end in divorce. They all appear to be fairly short
lived as well. It is not only the marriages but the intimate relationships from
A Visit From the Good Squad that
prove to be extremely temporary. Sasha has fleeting relationships with all of
her boyfriends and the actor that fathered Dolly’s child is gone almost immediately.
If there is one relationship one would hope would withstand the test of time,
it would be the relationship between Rhea and Jocelyn. They are so close that
everything is shared between them and even this relationship too ends as both
go their separate ways. All of these relationships are temporary and show how
things change over time.
I agree with your point that Egan uses the word “time” throughout the novel to suggest a certain impermanence within the lives of the characters. I would go further to say that Egan’s point is that none of these characters are in sync with time, therefore whatever they do accomplish is of little merit, and therefore impermanent. The almost regular frequency with which Egan uses the word “time” certainly is, as you said, a motif, and a constant reminder to the reader. It is central to every story, and there is one particular instance where I think it grants special insight. On page 19, Bennie says that all he needs is a “little time” to bring success to the Stop/Go sisters. In the paragraph immediately following, the reader learns about all changes that have taken place to the Stop/Go sisters since Bennie first discovered them. All of these changes hinder Bennie’s ability to effectively market them. Perhaps when Bennie first discovered them, they truly were sensational and all it would’ve taken was a little competent managing and they’d be stars. Bennie refuses to realize that this is no longer the case. (I thought of this scene when I was reading Chapter 7 when Stephanie goes to visit Bosco, another washed-up singer that Bennie still works for.) And it is Bennie’s refusal to live in sync with the time, that means he is wasting the time he has now in the present.
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