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existed within time at one point or another.

Through utilizing both concepts of subjectivity, these being parable' and shadow' side by side, rather than assuming that the story has a pre-constructed meaning or intended mortal, ethical or even ideological message, the reader is encouraged to become an active participant in the story, constructing there own meaning one that coincides with the dialogue throughout the story. Thus, the title enforces an atmosphere of scepticism, influencing the notion that interpretation is often multiple, subjective and can exist within a dynamic context.

The primary notion of both notion and assumption is addressed throughout the story and its transition. Firstly, the reader is introduced to a world plagued by illness and death. Then, with the introduction of the seven characters standing within the locked room accompanied only by the body of young boy who had fallen victim to the sickness now plaguing society. The subject of assumption and interpretation, thus comes into focus, namely surrounding the apparent reasoning these men had to be in the same room as a corpse and why they were joyful and gay despite such dire times and the surroundings into which they were thrust. Lastly, the shadow which appears before them and speaks with the voice of the many friends they had lost, stands as another symbol of subjectivity and interpretation. Why this shadow had appeared, wether it be death, or some other force is unknown, yet its manifestations within the metaphysical realms of imagination and contemplation are enough to construct its own symbolic meaning a meaning unto itself if you will.

Learn more about this author, Michael Grantham.
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