Interrogation Center

The interrogation center symbolizes widespread violence and injustice. Tomás witnesses many horrors in the interrogation center, and these horrors are an extension of the authoritarian government that rose to power in Argentina.

Ghosts

The ghosts symbolize the persistence of history and memory. After returning to Argentina to visit, Tomás encounters the ghosts of various deceased people. These ghosts guide him through his own memories, for even though these people are deceased, they live on in Tomás’ memories of them.

Underworld

The underworld symbolizes the irrevocability of death. When the Colonel’s ghost guides Tomás to the underworld, he says that Tomás will have the ability to give his own life in order to change the last and save Isabel’s life. However, this exchange ultimately seems to be impossible.

Montoneros

In the novel, the Montoneros group symbolizes idealism and recklessness...