In "The Marriage Plot," Jeffrey Eugenides reflects on the contrast between the complexity of semiotic theory and the straightforwardness of reading a novel. He suggests that engaging with dense theoretical concepts can make the experience of reading fiction feel much lighter and more fulfilling, similar to how jogging without weights is easier than jogging with them.

Eugenides highlights the joy of narrative clarity in literature, where events unfold logically and characters face relatable challenges in a familiar setting. This connection to the real world enriches the reading experience, as it allows readers to engage with the characters and storyline meaningfully.