What is the theme in The Last Picture Show by Larry McMurtry?

The themes of loneliness and decay are central to the novel. The town is dying; the rich are really rich only on paper; the buildings are old and rotting; the only entertainment, the picture show, closes; the pool hall is the only remaining source of any kind of fun in the town. Not only does the town decay and die; so do the dreams and aspirations of the characters.