Anders - The Fear of Intimacy

Anders seems like a classic case of someone who is afraid of intimacy, or any worthwhile relationship. The text shows several examples of how this poor book critic does everything in his power, and in his own mind, to refrain from being emotionally connected with anyone. As a result, his life seems rather meaningless. First of all, Anders is put out by the smallest thing (a long bank line) and is immediately in a "murderous temper". As the bank teller leaves her post, a woman next to him whispers to him about how annoying it is, and even though he agrees, he immediately lashes out at her. He is not willing to admit that his feelings relate with hers, because that would be admitting that they have a connection, even if it is a rather light, superficial one. He goes one step further, making it a point to make her feel terrible when the teller gets held up '"There you go," Anders said to the woman in front of him. "Justice is done."'
Even more teeling are the memories he has when he is shot in the head, or moreso, the memories he does not have.

"He did not remember his first lover, Sherry."
"Anders did not remember his wife...or his daughter."
"Anders did not remember his dying mother."

Does this man remember ANYTHING that was truly important? How sad that he could not see into himself and his disfunctions early enough to create some lasting bond in this life. All he could remember was playing baseball as a kid and how some boy didn't know how to speak English correctly. As fascinating as that may have been......there were definitely more important things that man should have held close to his stony heart.