George’s lifestyle and mind are grounded in the past. To further indicate the past’s significance, George’s use of the word “Past” is always capitalized. His partner Jim, who died in a car accident a few years prior to the novel’s events, is one such influence. He is unable to cope with the loss and is still in the midst of oppressive grief. Everything in George’s house, the supermarket, The Starboard Side bar, and the beach reminds him of Jim. While this saddens him, he cannot and doesn’t want to escape it because he does not want to let go of his former happiness.

George is also consumed by the past in other ways. He regularly visits Doris, an ex-lover of Jim’s who is sick and dying. Though she barely resembles the person she was (and despite George’s resentment of her), he visits her to maintain a connection to Jim. George has a depressed friend named Charlotte who drinks heavily and seemingly lives in the past as well. She cannot move on with her life or let go of those she lost, just like George. Because the two relate to each other, George relies on Charlotte for emotional support.