Boyfriend Material

Luc’s apartment is an extension of his mental state and self-confidence, symbolizing his low self-esteem and growth throughout the book. At the beginning of the novel, the space is dirty; Luc does not clean up after himself in any sense. He has no clean dishes, leaves trash in the open, and does not engage in habitual cleaning processes like washing his sheets. He lives in the apartment he originally rented with his ex-boyfriend, tying his living space to the person who betrayed him. His lack of care for the space reflects his lack of care for himself. He does not see himself deserving of nice things, so he does not put effort into making his living space pleasant.

This changes as he gets to know Oliver and his confidence and self-esteem increase. Luc gradually comes to understand that he deserves nice things and respect from the people around him. This mental shift contributes to his decision to clean his apartment and thus grant himself a place to be safe, healthy, and vulnerable. However, it is a task that he cannot complete alone, as he quickly becomes overwhelmed with the minutia of cleaning. He reaches out to his friends, and they come to support him, giving him a foundation for a new life. This shows how Luc is loved by his friends, even when he thinks of himself as underserving of that love, and the importance of positive relationships for growth.

In the novel, photographs are a powerful tool for good and malice. From Luc’s perspective, photographs are profoundly negative. He has a long history of being photographed and having his image circulated without his consent, usually in compromising situations. Photographs have stripped him of autonomy, allowing others to create an idea of him that does not encapsulate who he truly is. However, as Luc starts to embrace his notoriety and engages in strategic socialization, the novel shows how photographs have the power to help people. Luc’s visits to an art gallery and a vegan restaurant provide positive press for the artist and chef.

When it comes to photos, the novel shows how the viewer is just as important as the subject. How viewers use and consume pictures, such as those of celebrities in compromising positions, becomes a major factor in what pictures media outlets pursue.