Goodbye Columbus

In “Goodbye, Columbus,” Neil pressures Brenda to get a diaphragm to bring them closer together and increase his pleasure while they have sex. She is at first resistant but eventually follows his wishes and goes to the doctor for one. The diaphragm is a symbol for their union as a couple and for Neil’s need to tie her more closely to him. He is consistently insecure about their relationship and scared that she will leave him, and he hopes that the diaphragm will unite them, though he is unsure if the diaphragm will accomplish what he wants: “Now the doctor is about to wed Brenda to me, and I am not entirely certain this is all for the best. What is it I love, Lord? Why have I chosen? Who is Brenda?” (100). Neil is so preoccupied with solidifying his relationship through the diaphragm that he wonders if he is even making the right move or if he even wants to be with Brenda. He believes that by using a diaphragm, their relationship will be elevated, almost as if they are married. He sees it as a way forward and to bring them closer, and yet it is also the object that results in their relationship’s collapse.