In other words, they signify primarily on thebasis of their difference from other signifiers and not, for ex-ample, by referring to a non-linguistic reality.

He also thinks rather poorly of himself and often contrastshis shortcomings with the ideal image he created of Oliver:

Thecharacters’ failure to acknowledge the multitude of aspects that make up their identity leads tosecrecy and idealization, which hinders a realistic development of their relationship.