Whereas Marco's devotion to Lydia is based on his perception of guilt and responsibility for her predicament, Benigno's infatuation with Alicia seems to be a perfect example of the manner in which men can be love struck by a complete stranger even without any substantial interaction between them first. From the perspective of human sexual attraction and romantic infatuation, Benigno's infatuation is typical; what is atypical and perhaps less realistic is Benigno's continued devotion in light of Alicia's prognosis for recovery. From a much darker perspective, the apparent mental instability to which Benigno is prone may provide some

Ordinarily, it is not so much the manner in which men become infatuated with strangers so quickly that is sometimes a function of mental instability.
On the other hand, what very often is an indication of psychological dysfunction or obsession is the continued infatuation for a stranger even after rejection of a social overture. In that regard, the exact same male gestures are interpreted very differently.

Romantic gestures that are in context and appropriate to circumstances are generally greatly appreciated by the female object of those affections; conversely, out-of-context gestures that are inappropriate to circumstances are perceived very negatively and even as threats.

Finally, Benigno's sexual fantasies also raise the question of whether his interest in Alicia would have been reciprocated, whether any mutual interest on her part would have remained once she learned more about him, and most importantly, what Benigno's response might have been in response to Alicia's rejection.