Gain

Richard Powers’ novel “Gain” represents issues of corporate structures and institutions through the parallels in narrating the development of the company, as well as narrating the effects of Clare International on the individual, consumerist level through Laura Bodey. Powers situates the two narratives together, yet separates them through shifting the authorial focus. This larger narrative structure connects specifically to reveal the ways in which Powers presents corporations as constantly evolving as a result of the society in which it exists within. Demonstrated in Laura Bodey’s interior monologue, a fusion to a larger consumer corporation narrative occurs. Facing Cancer, Laura’s response reflects how she attempts to comfort the fears of her corporeal body by incorporating commercialized aspects of purification.

Powers’ theme of contemporary human lives influenced by capitalist institutions becomes evident, yet there is also an underlying reference to another of Powers’ main themes. Powers’ historical account of the rise of the Clare Corporation incorporates the ways in which United States’ laws function to protect institutions under the same rights as individuals. Ultimately, the connection of commercial products with Laura’s body emphasizes the inevitable intermixing of one’s life with consumerist culture.

Richard Powers’ “Gain” also explores gender politics. The products of Clare, as well as their consumers, become defined as domestic goods bought by women. While these are products that can be made in the consumer’s home, “Gain” reveals through the products of Clare that consumerism develops its own narrative in an effort to develop and exploit the action of buying. The creation of “Clara Clare” reflects the time in which the Clare Corporation transcends from being understood as an individual in the eyes of the law to the eyes of the consumer.