Importance of Love in A Feast of Snakes by Harry Crews depicts a violent, cruel, selfish, profane, crude and lustful society. Yet, somehow, love survives. And love, despite the unbearable pain it inflicts, turns out to be the only thing that truly matters. Sheriff Buddy Matlow repeatedly insists to Lottie Mae that he loves her. But it is a frightening and possessive love that must remain secret. Because Lottie Mae is black and Buddy is white, he warns her: "'You know, if you tell anyone I love you, I'll kill you'" (35). He rapes her by intimidating her with a snake, then says in a callous tone, "Isn't it a miracle to know what a snake can do for love?" » » (38). Buddy is so wrapped up in her feelings that he seems oblivious to the way he's crushing her, and he's stunned when she gets rid of his love in the only way possible: by killing him. Elfie's love for her husband, Joe Lon Mackey, is desperate and pathetic. He treats her appallingly. Her bad teeth and sagging breasts repel him. It exploded...