Dictaphone

The Dictaphone symbolizes Steve’s unresolved grief and emotional stagnation. He uses it to record his thoughts, particularly speaking to his deceased wife, Debbie, as if she is still present in his life. This act of talking to her symbolizes his inability to fully move on from the past, as he clings to memories and the comfort of their shared history. The Dictaphone represents Steve’s struggle to reconcile his past with his present, trapping him in a cycle of mourning. It also symbolizes his attempt to preserve his emotional connection with Debbie, even though she is no longer physically with him.

Pub Quiz

The pub quiz symbolizes community, routine, and emotional support in the novel. For Steve, it offers a structured escape from his grief and isolation. The quiz nights provide him with a sense of belonging and connection, especially through his friendships with John...