In the stories Unsafe At Any Speed and Mr. Voice I couldn't help to notice how pitiful Mr. Bitner and Claude ended up being.  My hope that when boys are raised they are raised to be engaging and strong and not to become doormats and have their spirit so easily squashed.  Mr. Bitner seemed to be the low man on the totem pole in his household although he was out actively working and contributing.  It seemed that he was not consulted with family matters and was just expected to settle with whatever was doled out to him.  One example is that of the ending up with the shit vehicle of the household.  He was not respected.  I felt basically the same for Claude that he would allow himself to be a consolation prize by his wife who really wanted someone and something else but settles for him for the greater good.  I am always baffled by the men who will accept the partner who is expecting from him to deliver a lifestyle of money, goods and services with a repayment of resentment and obligatory sex by his trophy bride.  Claude took on the role of father, provider and homemaker and in return was given a good swift kick in the teeth.  Both guys lost or never had the self-esteem necessary to conduct a relationship on a level playing field where there was mutual admiration and reciprocity.