Ghostly Apparitions

The ghostly apparitions in John’s photographs symbolize the profound yearning for connection and the search for meaning amid the trauma of war. Before John discovers they are fake, these apparitions represent hope and the belief in a transcendent connection with the deceased, offering solace in a time of deep personal and collective grief. After the truth of the Stanley’s fraudulence is revealed, the apparitions symbolize the fragility of faith and the devastating impact of disillusionment. They underscore how deeply human need for reassurance and continuity can be, and how the loss of these illusions can precipitate a profound existential crisis.

John’s Lame Leg

John’s lame leg symbolizes the enduring impact of trauma and the physical manifestation of emotional and psychological scars. It serves as a constant reminder of his wartime experiences and the lingering effects of his injuries, both literal and...