How do the experiences that Dolores has in her relationships and in those she witnesses influence her interpretation of love, men, sex, and the power dynamics within relationships? How does she change her mindset?

Why does Dolores identify with whales? How does her identification with whales change as her life progresses, and why does the novel conclude as she finally witnesses a happy, healthy whale?

Dolores admits at the beginning of the novel that her narration and memories are somewhat unreliable. How does this affect the experience of reading the story? Are there times when her narration seems more or less trustworthy?