Going Bovine Theme of Love, Lust, and Sex

Teenage boys aren't the only ones who have a hard time distinguishing between love, lust, and sex, but in Going Bovine, this is exactly what Cameron—our resident teenage boy—has a difficult time with. Thing is, while Cam's busy wishing and hoping to know what it feels like to fall in love, it's actually slowly happening to him. Bummer for him, he continues to be distracted by lust and sex up until almost the very end. Finally, though, he realizes that he's totally head-over-heels in love with Dulcie, and we get a pseudo-happy ending. You know, because he's dead.

Questions About Love, Lust, and Sex

  1. How does Cam's taste in women change from the beginning of the story to the end? What does this say about how he changes?
  2. Why is Cameron so slow to see that he's in love with Dulcie? Give evidence from the book to back your answer.
  3. What are some of the differences in the two times Cameron has sex? How does this change how he feels?

Chew on This

Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.

When Cameron wants Staci Johnson, it's because he isn't being true to himself and instead is doing what he thinks is expected of him.

When Cameron wants Dulcie, it is because he's finally gained an understanding of who he really is and made some peace with himself.