Sleep (Allegory)
Sleep is an allegory for a life in which an emotional side presides over a logical and practical one. David often gets lost in a whirlwind of his own emotions, recollections and feelings, for he is rather alienated. Sometimes he brooded about various things “till it entered his sleep” and he “no longer could tell’’ where was a real life and “ where dream ”.
Isaiah (Symbol)
Isaiah, a Jewish prophet, becomes a symbol of reconnection with one’s roots. As soon as David starts taking his classes, he tries to succeed. One time, when David hears a story about Isaiah, he becomes stimulated to “ find holiness in Hebrew letters ” but he fails. He doesn’t only looks for ways of restoration of faith in his soul, but also for his own roots. Dav id tries to identify himself as a Jew and prophet Isaiah’s life story stimulates him to think about it.
Loss of Identity (Motif)
According to David, the city he lives in “becomes the web of life”. He is one of million other people, who come here to improve their lives and pursue their dreams. He is a person one would probably not notice in a crowd. However, to be the “ lostest ” is not the worst thing. He is so unsure and confused that he “senses his destiny” in being lost.
