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Dysfunctional
Sheltering SkyI feel that a lot of the relationship between the three main characters is an image of the manipulative-ness of human nature. It seems that neither Port or Kit like each other very much, bringing into question the reason for their marriage, so it turns out that a lot of their relationship is trying to play the other. There are tricks of resentment and jealousy constantly throughout the story. They seem to be the perfect model of a dysfunctional relationship, getting angry over the pettiest things and making issues out of nothings. They sound just about due for a divorce.
And playing completely into this dysfunction is the character of Tunner. He is one of the ways that Kit plays with the mind of Port, and completely content to be the concubine of Kit. Though he feels that he is successfully playing his charm to win over the favor of the couple, he is actually being completely used beyond his ability of social sight. Contrary to Kit, Port goes outside their little group to go looking for ways to make his wife jealous. Though this might bring each momentary satisfaction, the pleasure never lasts in the long run and tensions only continue to increase.
Or Maybe Something More
Although I agree that Kit and Port have an extremely dysfunctional relationship, I found it interesting that at one point Kit says that Port is trying to find his way back to love and love for him only means loving her. That statement made it sound as the two had been in love at one point. Maybe before Port became obsessed with finding nothingness he was still able to love Kit. Kit also says later that it is up to Port to initiate putting their relationship back together suggesting it may have been his fault that it fell apart in the first place.