What does Bradley represent?

Bradley's character symbolizes transgression. Although it has been decades since Marion was with Bradley, she still believes that her affair with him is evidence of her wicked nature. When she tells Sophie about their affair and the child of Bradley's she aborts, instead of liberating her from guilt, the confession reignites Marion's old obsession. She becomes desperate to contact and reunite with Bradley, because her transgressive version of self feels like the truest version of self.