In Sag Harbor, Benji and Reggie's father doesn't quite seem like he fits in. Unlike many of the other people in Sag Harbor in the summer, he doesn't have the same generational tradition of coming out. He married into the tradition, unlike their mother and other families that come out. Benji's father's philosophy about life is at odds with Sag Harbor. His greatest pride is that "Nobody ever gave him anything, and he never asked" (pg 217). Sag Harbor is almost entirely comprised of people who have inherited their beach houses from their parents or grandparents. Benji doesn't really seem to be aware of this, and his father doesn't ever openly express his feelings about Sag (although that might just be because most of his dialogue occurs when he is in Sag Harbor). However, there is still the impression that he feels that the people of Sag Harbor are 'weak'. For example, when he is talking to Benji about women and complimenting Mrs. Rusell'
Black Swan Green ends with the divorce of Jason's parents and his impending move to Cheltenham. Although Jason remains oblivious to the problems in their marriage for a long time, the cracks in their relationship begin to show as early as the first chapter. Despite their argument about both redoing the kitchen and getting a rockery in the backyard (both things that Helena wants, but Michael is against), both of those things end up happening. Even after Helena and Michael clash over her job offer, Helena still 'wins' in the end and ends up working in Cheltenham. These arguments show the beginning of the separation between Helena and Michael, as well as Helena's growing independence, which is what allows her to get the divorce in the first place. The first indication that all is not as it seems between Helena and Michael is during the first chapter, where Jason is so focused on explaining why he went into his father's office to notice the tension between his parents.