The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions

Mark, as a person, is interesting. We are seeing a snapshot of him at his worst, where the whole world is seemingly against something he said that was fairly minor all things considered. A man who is old had said an ignorant and insensitive thing. Relatively speaking, it's not something too out of the ordinary to hear about. But through this moment of vulnerability, we learn that what he said wasn't a poor choice of exasperated words. Rather it was an honest view into his opinion about the mentally ill; where his intentions are good, but his pride gets in the way of showing these people true respect.

Obsessed with Himself

If there is one thing that Mark makes very clear throughout the whole work, it's that he is the center of his own world. Perhaps that is just the politicians way. Trying to find the best way to spin a mistake in an opportunity that benefits him and his own. This behavior doesn't just end with his politician's duties though. Rather it begins with his home-life through the way he treats his family, Jeanette specifically, and their issues. Not only does he dismiss any criticism unless faced with absolute surety of his mistake, the most tragic moment of his life was defined by the material possessions he got Jeanette, not her herself.

Too little, Too Late

Healing isn't a linear process. There are many days where it's two steps forward and five steps back. As a Father, Mark has failed Jeanette for every moment he unknowingly contributed too her mental illness. With hindsight on his side, he can now see exactly where and how he failed, but that knowledge means nothing if he doesn't try too be proactive with it. Which he ultimately is, but just as healing isn't a linear process, neither is bettering oneself. His offering of an olive branch may seem like a completely altruistic decision, and to Mark it most definitely is. But to Jeanette? It's a reminder that the relationship between she and her father is going to be an uphill climb.