The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy

The anonymous letters that Hart and Mercy write to each other illustrate the novel’s thematic focus on Seeking New Connections to Overcome Loneliness. In fact, Hart’s first letter is an explicit expression of his overwhelming loneliness, and although he does not expect to reach anyone, his missive nonetheless illustrates his need to reach out and find some form of human connection. Likewise, Mercy’s compassionate response demonstrates her need to ameliorate her own loneliness, even though she lives in a close-knit family. As she empathizes with her unknown pen pal, her discussion of the difference between being alone and being lonely demonstrates her inherent need for a version of human connection that goes beyond surface-level interactions.

As the letters and their long-distance friendship progress, Hart and Mercy come to embody this vital need for connection, and their confessions and interactions, while essentially healing, also indicate the limits of a connection made only through anonymous letters. As Lillian and Bassareus observe, the anonymity of the letters allows Hart and Mercy to curate the best parts of themselves and create an appealing image, or “paper doll” (159) that proves to be a mere imitation of their true selves. This dynamic allows them to avoid the honest vulnerability that creates deep and lasting relationships. The letters therefore symbolize the protagonists’ desire for connection and their fear of vulnerability. While both Hart and Marcy use the letters as a shield against that vulnerability, Mercy eventually overcomes her fear and reveals her true identity; however, Hart tries to mitigate this risk by keeping his letter-writing persona separate from his real self.