Like Life by Lorrie Moore thematically features stories revolving around romance and how heartbreak and irony can arise in a relationship. Two stories in his book feature characters who are unable to cope with the "real world" and end up feeling alone. “Vissi d’Arte” and “Starving Again” focus more on male protagonists who both fail to create a lasting relationship and affection for something by being narrow-minded and blind by their actions. In "Vissi d'Arte", a talented playwright living in seedy Times Square sacrifices everything good in his life for his still unfinished masterpiece, which is then crushed by a Hollywood Sharpie . The story revolves around the wife of a struggling painter, in a state of love and not love with her slightly crazy husband. Writing plays was what Harry had the most passion for and everything else he simply loved. He was very stuck when things didn't go his way. He likes to be in charge, so when someone mentions or tells him to do something, he becomes stern and sticks to his ways instead of changing them. He loved something in his life, but it wasn't all directed at Breckie. When he was told he had to shorten his stories, he decided to stop writing for newspapers and articles instead of changing one small thing. Breckie was fed up with the life they were living, she began to get upset and frustrated living there. “I'm talking: You get a job, we get an apartment in a wired building and we have a real life. I can only wait for you for so long. »(23) She felt connected living there, she wanted to get out and start a new and better life. She insisted that they leave but Harry was hesitant. When Breckie brought this to his attention, he wasn't sold on the idea of ​​moving. The...... middle of paper ...... different ways. By doing a few simple things, Harry could have avoided a failed relationship with his mate simply by making a move. It's true that Dennis experienced failed love and dwelling on his wife was an obstacle that prevented him from seeking affection for someone else. These two male protagonists never had a good relationship or affection towards their wives. A relationship is sought between two people who connect and are fully committed to meeting both needs by finding solutions. But neither protagonist in either story attempts to find a solution. Harry in "Vissi d'Arte" ends his relationship with his so-called "lover" without leaving the apartment. Dennis likes the idea of ​​love and always has it in his mind, but he makes no effort to try to establish a relationship with another woman after his breakup with his ex-wife..