Judith Rossner’s novel "Attachments" presents a deeply introspective exploration of a woman’s journey towards self-discovery and the quest for meaning amidst a chaotic existence. Expanding upon the themes she explored in "Looking for Mr. Goodbar," Rossner delves into the psyche of her protagonist, Nadine, who navigates the complexities of life, seeking role models and a sense of purpose. Throughout her journey, Nadine confronts her own inadequacies and the superficial values of her upbringing, leading to a poignant narrative of self-realization.

Nadine's Search for Role Models

Nadine, the central character, embarks on a quest to find role models who can offer her guidance and structure. Despite her intellectual prowess, Nadine feels an inherent disconnect with her parents, who embody superficial glamour. Her mother, characterized by vanity and self-absorption, fails to provide the depth and mentorship Nadine craves. Following the illness of her mentor Dr. Story, Nadine leaves Bard College, driven by a need to escape her mother's oppressive melancholy: "where my natural mother clung to life by a thread of misery too straggly for cancer to bother eroding."

Nadine's search for guidance extends to others, such as Dianne’s mother, a brilliant psychologist. Yet, the strained relationship between Dianne and her mother hinders the formation of a meaningful mentor connection. Similarly, Dr. Story, who might have imparted life’s essential "not done’s," exits the sphere of academia to face his mortality. Even Dr. Becker, her boyfriend’s mother, proves to be a closed door, reflecting Nadine’s persistent struggle to find an elder female figure to emulate.

The Quest for Purpose

Beyond her search for role models, Nadine's journey is marked by an enduring pursuit of purpose. Her endeavors, however, often result in ephemeral satisfaction. Taking Dianne’s advice, she moves eastward to broaden her intellectual horizons, only for her academic pursuits to be cut short by Dr. Story’s illness. This pattern of unfinished endeavors continues as she decorates a house with Dianne and the twins, only to find the project void of lasting fulfillment once completed.

Motherhood briefly fills this void. Caring for Dianne’s daughter Carly, along with her own child, offers Nadine a sense of fulfillment. Yet, as the children grow, the role of homemaker becomes increasingly stagnant, compelling Nadine to seek purpose beyond domestic confines. Ultimately, it is through stepping out on her own that Nadine begins to uncover deeper meaning in her life.

Symbolism and Its Functions

Rossner’s novel employs potent symbolism to enrich the narrative’s thematic depth. Nadine’s frequent flights across the United States symbolize her perpetual search for meaning and order. Additionally, her unconscious rejection of Carly inadvertently sends the child on her own "journey," as Carly ventures into a new world filled with marijuana and seemingly understanding friends.

The names of several characters carry symbolic weight. "Di," Nadine’s moniker for Dianne, is the reverse of "id," denoting the psyche’s reality-detached aspect. Nadine’s name evokes "nadir," symbolizing her perceived low standing in comparison to Dianne. Her first marriage surname, "Tumulty," mirrors her inner turmoil, while "Smith" suggests an ordinary life into which she attempts to integrate. Dr. Story’s name further underscores the novel’s theme, as "story" implies a lack of reality, mirroring Nadine’s unrealistic aspirations for their relationship.

Mirroring and Self-Realization

Rossner adeptly uses the literary device of mirroring to illustrate Nadine’s journey towards self-awareness. Initially, Nadine and her friend Dianne appear as contrasting personalities; Dianne’s genius juxtaposes Nadine’s perceived underachievement, and while Dianne is calm, Nadine sees her world as "churning." However, as the narrative unfolds, Nadine realizes the fundamental similarities between them. This realization culminates when Nadine confronts Dianne, acknowledging her own intelligence and recognizing Dianne’s calm demeanor as a facade maintained by ignorance of reality. Should Dianne remove these "mental blinders," she would experience the same agitation that Nadine does.