Meaning of Physical Manifestations

The ways in which the characters physically manifest in the bardo symbolizes the characters’ lingering regrets. For example, Vollman manifests as a naked version of himself with an enlarged sexual organ, thus representing his regret that he was never able to consummate his second marriage. Bevins manifests with many eyes and arms, symbolizing his regret at having to live a double life, constantly hiding his true romantic desires due to stigmas against homosexuality. The wish to go back and remedy these regrets is what keeps these characters temporarily trapped in the bardo.