How does Julio Cortazar use imagery in The Pursuer?

Cortazar uses Biblical imagery throughout the story. Johnny Carter's initials, J.C., align him with the figure of Jesus Christ. Other ways in which Bruno's narrative equates Johnny Carter with Jesus Christ include such details as Johnny's showing Bruno "what a pretty scar I got between my ribs." As Jesus is often portrayed on crucifixes with a knife wound in his chest, this comment subtly reinforces the narrator's representation of Johnny as a Christ-like figure. Later, Johnny refers to the "holes" in his hands, an image which evokes the stigmata of Christ, whose hands were nailed to the cross.