Here's some textual evidence supporting this theme:
* Will's existential crisis and search for belief: Will's journey throughout the novel is a constant wrestling with his faith. He experiences profound doubt and questions the very foundations of his religious beliefs. His conversations with Father Smith, his struggles with his family, and his intellectual pursuits all reflect this central conflict. For example, his internal monologues often reveal his skepticism and uncertainty about the existence and nature of God. Sections detailing his struggle with the "nothingness" he feels are prime examples.
* The exploration of the nature of human connection and love: The novel examines the complexities of human relationships, particularly through Will's interactions with his family and his potential romantic interests. His relationships are often strained and marked by misunderstandings, reflecting the difficulties of genuine connection in a world that often feels isolating. This struggle to connect authentically adds to the feeling of meaninglessness he attempts to overcome. His evolving relationship with his daughter, and his complicated feelings about his wife, illustrate this.
* The role of irony and paradox: Percy employs irony and paradox to highlight the absurdities of human existence and the tension between hope and despair. The characters often find themselves in situations that defy simple explanation, reflecting the unpredictable and often frustrating nature of life. The juxtaposition of profound philosophical questions with mundane, everyday events underscores this. The novel's title itself, *Things Hoped For*, is ironic, suggesting a striving for meaning in a world where things don't always work out as hoped.
* The significance of language and communication: The novel demonstrates how language can both reveal and obscure meaning. Characters frequently misinterpret each other, highlighting the difficulties of communicating effectively and truly understanding one another. This inability to fully communicate adds to the sense of isolation and the difficulty of finding shared meaning.
* The search for truth and authenticity: The characters in the novel are constantly searching for truth and authenticity, both in their relationships and in their understanding of the world. This search is often fraught with difficulty, as they encounter obstacles and setbacks along the way. Will's internal struggles with the need to "be true to himself" whilst coping with external pressures shows this quest.
In conclusion, while *Things Hoped For* doesn't offer easy answers, it powerfully portrays the human experience of striving for meaning and purpose in a world that often feels chaotic and indifferent. The textual evidence showcases the characters' struggles with faith, doubt, relationships, and communication, ultimately highlighting the ongoing search for meaning as the central theme.