Boyfriend Material

Boyfriend Material showcases a very clear distinction between what people show on the outside and who they really are. This occurs both on a societal level, such as what the paparazzi and media feature, and on the private level, such as what happens within relationships. The book’s central conflicts reveal the difference between how things seem and how things are and emphasize the importance of not making assumptions.

Hall uses paparazzi, gossip magazines, and television to show how perception contrasts with reality. Luc and Jon are most often the subjects of media, although their experience in the spotlight and the way the spotlight reacts to them are very different. At the beginning of the novel, Jon is trying to improve his self-image by appearing on reality television and creating relationships with young, vulnerable musicians. He is perceived as altruistic due to his charisma and empathy. However, his interactions with Luc show how much his public actions and words are a sham. He is only interested in Luc’s relationship with his legacy; he abandons Luc when he is no longer worried about his health, highlighting how the caring man he plays on television is a farce.

While Jon benefits from the media, Luc suffers because of it. The media portrays him as a partier and demonizes him for his casual outlook toward sex. His behavior is the result of earlier media-based abuse, making his actions a self-fulfilling prophecy that feeds media interest. The media ignore his adoption of new habits and behaviors, making the public see him negatively even when he engages in more positive activities. The media is not interested in Luc’s healing and efforts to be a better person and instead uses solicitous topics to sell stories. This, paired with Cam’s opinion piece describing the harm that comes to the children of celebrities, asks the reader to be critical of media consumption and question the stories they are being told.

The disconnect between perception and reality is just as prominent within intimate relationships. This manifests through Oliver’s desire to be perfect and the way he behaves when around friends and family. He creates an image of success and stability through dedication to his work and honing skills associated with successful people. He is well-dressed and upholds strict moral ideologies founded on research. This is meant to win the approval of his parents while also making him appear satisfied with his life.

However, his deep loneliness and unhappiness when faced with his parents’ critiques makes it clear that Oliver is more sensitive than he lets on and that he struggles to belong. While Oliver is perceived to have his life together, the reality is that he is unhappy and in need of change. It takes time and overcoming obstacles with Oliver for Luc to challenge his previous beliefs about Oliver, which were all founded on Oliver’s outward behavior. At the end of the novel, Luc knows Oliver’s real self and welcomes him into his life.

Hall uses perception and reality to show the importance of knowledge and curiosity. Perceptions are created from a minimal amount of information, forming assumptions that are harmful to individuals and groups. The novel suggests that by approaching situations with curiosity and openness, as Luc and Oliver do, people can expand their knowledge and ensure that their thoughts are based on the most accurate information. This prevents an incorrect perception from dictating behavior and opens the door to new connectivity.