THE MAN WHO WALKED

ON THE MOON
- JG Ballard
In J.G. Ballard’s The Man Who Walked on the Moon, the themes of identity, despair, fraud,
escape, and freedom are explored through the first-person narrative of an unnamed
journalist. The story centers on Scranton, a man who has made a living by pretending to be
an astronaut. Despite the fact that he was never actually an astronaut, Scranton’s life seems
to have been shaped by this deception, and his financial survival depends on it. The
narrator, too, is caught in a life of dissatisfaction, constantly pressured by his wife and
mother to settle into a more conventional career. Despite this, he finds himself drawn to
Scranton’s life, fascinated by the way the man has managed to escape the mundanity of life
through his false identity.

The narrator identifies with Scranton’s plight, seeing in him a fellow victim of circumstance.
Both men rely on others’ goodwill to survive—Scranton by pretending to be someone he’s
not, and the narrator by lacking the ambition to satisfy his family’s expectations. The narrator
becomes Scranton’s assistant, and eventually, he takes over the role of the fake astronaut
after Scranton’s illness and eventual death. This decision signals the narrator’s attempt to
escape his unsatisfactory existence by adopting a new identity, one that brings him attention,
ease, and financial reward.

The narrator’s actions also suggest that he doesn’t view the deception as morally troubling.
For him, the act of pretending to be an astronaut isn’t about lying to people but about
bringing a fleeting moment of joy to their lives. This perspective reflects the narrator’s desire
to escape his own life, which he views as dull and oppressive. As he assumes Scranton’s
role, he experiences a sense of freedom and fulfillment that he hadn’t felt before, as he is no
longer burdened by the demands of his family or his career as a journalist.

However, the narrator’s transformation into Scranton raises ethical questions about the
nature of the deception. While both Scranton and the narrator may be providing happiness to
others, it is based on a lie, and the narrator uses Scranton as a mere business opportunity
rather than a true friend. He is willing to exploit Scranton’s illness for financial gain,
suggesting a soullessness to his actions.

At the end of the story, the narrator becomes the fraud he once criticized, replacing Scranton
and adopting the same false identity. Despite this, he experiences a sense of happiness and
freedom that was missing in his previous life. While he is still engaging in deceit, he is able
to escape the monotony of his real life and find a new purpose. However, just as Scranton
died lonely, the narrator’s future may mirror this fate, as he too sacrifices his true identity for
an illusion of freedom.

ANALYSIS

Point: The narrator’s self-awareness is key to his perception of failure.

1
Evidence: "You probably assume that I am a man of few achievements. The shabby briefcase between my worn heels, the
stained suit with its frayed cuffs, the unsavoury hands ready to seize the first offer of a free drink..."
Explanation: The narrator presents himself as someone in decline, emphasizing his shabby appearance and the image of failure
he projects.
Analysis: This self-deprecating description sets the tone for the story, indicating his internal conflict and the public perception
of his worth.
Link: This feeling of failure will drive his actions and reflections throughout the story, highlighting the disillusionment with his
life.

Point: The narrator struggles with a sense of fragmented identity.

Evidence: "Chapters of my life are still hidden from me, and seem as jumbled as the film extracts which the projectionists
screen each morning."
Explanation: The narrator compares his forgotten memories to jumbled film clips, symbolizing his inability to piece together his
past.
Analysis: This metaphor illustrates the disjointed nature of the narrator’s memories, reflecting the deeper confusion about his
identity and personal history.
Link: This fragmentation contributes to his identity crisis, which becomes a central theme in the story.

Point: The narrator’s unfulfilled career highlights his sense of failure.

Evidence: "Sadly, all this effort failed to get me to the top, and after ten years I found myself displaced by a younger generation."
Explanation: The narrator’s failure to rise to the top of his field makes him feel obsolete, reinforcing his internal struggle with
his worth.
Analysis: His frustration with being overtaken by younger, more successful individuals further emphasizes his sense of
inadequacy and missed opportunities.
Link: This dissatisfaction with his career drives his need to reinvent himself, leading him to adopt the astronaut persona.

Point: The narrator experiences isolation and alienation in the city.

Evidence: "Around me were the million faces of the city. People strode past, so occupied with their own lives that they almost
pushed me from the pavement."
Explanation: The narrator feels invisible and disconnected from the world around him, as if he’s being overlooked by the people
who move through their own busy lives.
Analysis: The metaphor of “million faces” suggests an overwhelming environment, where the narrator struggles to find his
place, contributing to his sense of alienation.
Link: This alienation from society mirrors his emotional isolation, which plays a significant role in his desire to create a new
identity.

Point: The narrator’s domestic troubles add to his sense of failure and confusion.

2
Evidence: "My mother... was forced to leave her home and join my wife and myself in our apartment at Ipanema."
Explanation: The fact that his mother has to move in with him indicates his decline in status, forcing him to rely on others.
Analysis: This shift in family dynamics suggests that the narrator has lost his independence and security, which deepens his
feelings of failure and shame.
Link: This dependency on others enhances the narrator’s need to escape from his reality, contributing to his desire for a new
persona.

Point: The tension in the narrator’s relationship with his wife reflects his broader struggles.
Evidence: "At first my wife resented this, but soon she and my mother teamed up against me."
Explanation: The conflict between the narrator and his wife, with her growing alliance with his mother, highlights his failing
personal relationships.
Analysis: This emotional conflict intensifies his sense of failure and loneliness, showing how he’s losing control over both his
personal and professional life.
Link: This sense of powerlessness in his relationships fuels his internal conflict and adds to his desire for change.

Point: The narrator’s career reflects his lack of fulfillment.

Evidence: "I was given trivial assignments… writing reports on office equipment fairs."
Explanation: The narrator’s work in trivial areas contrasts sharply with his earlier ambitions, showcasing how his career has
stagnated.
Analysis: This mundane work emphasizes his decline and reinforces the theme of disillusionment in the narrator’s life.
Link: His dissatisfaction with his job mirrors the broader dissatisfaction he feels with his entire life, contributing to his internal
crisis.

Point: The narrator’s failed attempts to find success show his increasing disillusionment.
Evidence: "My journey to work was a transit between one door slammed on my heels and another slammed in my face."
Explanation: The repeated rejection symbolized by the slammed doors highlights the narrator’s constant failures in his
professional life.
Analysis: This metaphor reveals how his attempts at success are continuously thwarted, which deepens his frustration and
reinforces his feeling of being stuck.
Link: These failures add to the narrator’s sense of hopelessness and drive him to seek a new identity as a form of escape.

Point: The narrator begins to fantasize about escape.

Evidence: "Perhaps I would visit Paris or New York, make a new life for myself as a literary critic..."
Explanation: The narrator fantasizes about escaping his current life, imagining a fresh start in a new city or profession.

3
Analysis: This reflects his deep dissatisfaction with his reality and his desire for reinvention, offering him a temporary escape
from his struggles.
Link: His longing for a new life foreshadows his eventual embrace of the astronaut persona, where he can create a new identity
for himself.

Point: The encounter with tourists offers the narrator an opportunity for reinvention.
Evidence: "‘Are you the astronaut?’ the woman asked in a friendly but sly way..."
Explanation: The tourists mistake him for an astronaut, providing an unexpected opportunity for the narrator to take on a new,
more glamorous identity.
Analysis: This mistake becomes a pivotal moment, offering him the chance to escape his current life and reinvent himself as
someone significant.
Link: This encounter will lead the narrator to adopt the persona of the astronaut, marking the beginning of his transformation.

Point: The narrator initially rejects the idea of being an astronaut.

Evidence: “‘No, I regret that I’m not an astronaut.’”
Explanation: The narrator’s immediate denial shows his reluctance to embrace the false identity, perhaps out of a sense of pride
or disbelief.
Analysis: This rejection reflects his internal conflict between accepting the new persona and maintaining a sense of
authenticity.
Link: Despite this initial rejection, the idea of being the astronaut will gradually take root in the narrator’s mind, influencing his
actions moving forward.

Point: The narrator tries to salvage his identity by presenting himself as a translator.
Evidence: "Perhaps they imagined that their cruise ship had berthed at Miami? I stood up, managing a gallant smile. ‘Of course,
I’m a qualified translator.'"
Explanation: The narrator attempts to redirect the tourists’ attention by offering his skills as a translator, but this feels like a
weak and inadequate response.
Analysis: His attempt to redirect the tourists highlights his desire to appear important, but it also shows how little faith he has
in his own identity, making him prone to embracing the astronaut persona.
Link: This moment highlights the narrator's internal desperation to be seen as someone of value, furthering his eventual
acceptance of the astronaut identity.

Point: The narrator observes the interaction between the tourists and Scranton with increasing curiosity.
Evidence: "I watched them approach the man in the tropical suit. He stared in a resigned way at his hands."

4
Explanation: The narrator is intrigued by how the tourists interact with Scranton, despite his disheveled appearance, seeing in
him an opportunity to escape his own failures.
Analysis: Scranton, despite his worn-out appearance, is treated with admiration by the tourists, showing the power of illusion
and how people are willing to create false narratives.
Link: The narrator’s fascination with Scranton deepens his desire to take on the astronaut persona, seeing how it offers him a
chance at validation.

Point: The tourists treat Scranton like a celebrity.

Evidence: "Photographs were taken, first of Scranton standing next to the smiling wife, then of the husband grinning broadly
beside the gaunt American."
Explanation: The tourists’ eager desire for photos with Scranton emphasizes how easily they are willing to project fame onto
him, despite his apparent struggles.
Analysis: This interaction reflects the way society commodifies individuals, elevating them based on superficial perceptions
rather than true worth.
Link: This mirrors the narrator’s desire to create a false identity for himself, as he becomes increasingly aware of how people
are willing to believe in illusions.

Point: The narrator begins to see the astronaut persona as a way to regain power.
Evidence: "The couples stood on either side of the American, grinning away as if he were a camel driver posing for pennies
against a backdrop of the pyramids."
Explanation: The comparison of Scranton to a camel driver suggests that the tourists are using him for entertainment, but it
also reveals how people, including the narrator, are willing to sell their identity for validation.
Analysis: The narrator’s growing attraction to this performative role indicates his desperation for a sense of value, even if it’s
based on a false identity.
Link: The act of posing for photos becomes a metaphor for how the narrator begins to see himself as something to be
consumed, pushing him closer to assuming the astronaut identity.

Point: The tourists’ behavior highlights the commodification of identity.

Evidence: "There’s the astronaut!"
Explanation: The tourists’ quick labeling of Scranton as an astronaut illustrates how people are willing to accept and commodify
identities without questioning their authenticity.
Analysis: This reinforces the theme of identity as a fluid and malleable construct, one that can be easily shaped for social
consumption.
Link: The narrator’s eventual embrace of the astronaut persona will follow this pattern, reflecting his willingness to commodify
himself in order to survive.
Point: The narrator is drawn to the possibility of reinvention.
Evidence: "I ordered a small brandy from the waiter. He had ignored all this, pocketing his tips with a straight face."

5
Explanation: The narrator’s decision to observe the events from a distance reflects his increasing acceptance of the illusion
while maintaining a sense of detachment.
Analysis: This distance represents the narrator’s emotional and intellectual acknowledgment of the astronaut persona, even
though he hasn’t fully embraced it yet.
Link: This observation will push the narrator closer to adopting Scranton’s identity as his own.

Point: The narrator’s embrace of the astronaut identity represents his search for significance.
Evidence: "I am certain that I was once an astronaut."
Explanation: The narrator’s unwavering belief in his past as an astronaut, despite the lack of evidence, illustrates his desperate
need to attach meaning to his life.
Analysis: This conviction, built on fantasy and amnesia, highlights the human tendency to create narratives in order to fill
existential voids.
Link: This belief will propel the narrator further into the illusion of astronauthood, as he looks for validation and purpose through
this new identity.

Point: The theme of identity construction is central to the narrator’s journey.

Evidence: "I am certain that I was once an astronaut."
Explanation: The narrator’s certainty in his fabricated history points to the story’s exploration of how identities are shaped by
belief, memory, and external influences.
Analysis: The narrator’s embrace of this false identity shows his psychological need for meaning and significance, even at the
cost of truth.
Link: This theme connects with broader existential questions about who we are and how our identities are shaped, making it the
heart of the story.

Point: The story’s conclusion reflects the narrator's final acceptance of his new identity.
Evidence: "I have still forgotten my years of training, and my mind bars from me any memory of the actual space-flights. But I
am certain that I was once an astronaut."
Explanation: The narrator's absolute certainty in his false identity signals his complete psychological surrender to the illusion.
Analysis: This represents the ultimate triumph of the constructed self over the real self, a fitting commentary on the narrator’s
need to escape his past.
Link: This final acceptance reveals the cost of his reinvention and suggests that identity, for him, is a malleable concept that
can be chosen rather than remembered.

Point: The narrator’s skepticism about Scranton's identity.

Evidence: “Who is he? An astronaut?”

6
Explanation: The narrator is uncertain about Scranton’s authenticity, suggesting initial doubt about his claim to be an astronaut.
Analysis: This reflects the ambiguity surrounding Scranton’s story. The narrator’s questioning indicates that Scranton's
appearance and claims don’t fit the usual image of a trained astronaut, highlighting the deception at the core of his persona.
Link: The narrator’s skepticism will deepen as the story unfolds, as he uncovers more about Scranton’s fabricated past.

Point: The waiter mocks Scranton’s claim to be an astronaut.

Evidence: “Who else but the man in the moon?”
Explanation: The waiter sarcastically implies that Scranton is only famous for being a fake astronaut, mocking the idea of him
being an actual space traveler.
Analysis: This reveals the locals’ awareness of Scranton’s fraud. The "man in the moon" metaphor emphasizes Scranton's
distant, almost mythical identity, which has no real substance, just like a fairytale.
Link: The waiter’s sarcasm contrasts with the narrator’s later fascination, showing the public’s dismissal of Scranton versus the
narrator’s curiosity.

Point: Scranton’s brief period of fame has passed.

Evidence: “The tourists had gone.”
Explanation: The tourists, who once flocked to Scranton, have left, signaling the end of his momentary popularity.
Analysis: This illustrates the transient nature of Scranton’s fame. It contrasts the fleeting celebrity that can be bought with
tourist dollars with the more lasting recognition that comes with genuine achievement.
Link: The tourists’ departure mirrors the inevitability of Scranton’s eventual obscurity.

Point: Scranton's fabricated backstory as an Apollo astronaut.

Evidence: “He had flown on one of the Apollo missions.”
Explanation: This is part of Scranton’s claimed history, making him seem legitimate to those unaware of his fraud.
Analysis: The specificity of Scranton’s claim—Apollo missions from Cape Kennedy—lends an air of authenticity, which is why
so many tourists believe him. It reflects the power of a well-told lie.
Link: This false history becomes the foundation of his notoriety, as people are easily convinced by a well-known and grand
narrative.

Point: Scranton's initial success in deceiving others.

Evidence: “He had become a popular figure.”
Explanation: The early stages of Scranton's fraudulent fame saw him become a fixture among tourists.
Analysis: This quote underscores the power of myth-making in tourist economies, where people are willing to accept
entertaining stories as fact, especially when tied to fame and adventure like the moon landing.
Link: Scranton’s initial success reveals the widespread appeal of stories about space exploration, which he capitalizes on.

7
Point: The exposure of Scranton’s deception.
Evidence: “No man named Scranton had ever flown in space.”
Explanation: Scranton’s story is exposed as false, and his background is revealed to be fabricated.
Analysis: This quote is a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting the contrast between Scranton’s tall tale and the harsh
reality. It reveals the consequences of Scranton's deception.
Link: The exposure of Scranton’s lies marks the beginning of his decline and signals a deeper examination of his motivations.

Point: Scranton’s continued existence after his exposure.

Evidence: “Scranton’s career had not ended.”
Explanation: Despite being exposed as a fraud, Scranton persists in living off his lie, entering a second phase of odd celebrity.
Analysis: This illustrates the resilience of Scranton’s lie, suggesting that people’s willingness to believe in a myth can be more
enduring than the truth. It also touches on the humor and sadness in Scranton’s situation.
Link: This shift in Scranton’s life highlights the theme of persistence, as he continues to deceive in a more comical, tragic way.

Point: Scranton’s fall from grace after his exposure.

Evidence: “He hung about the cheaper cafés.”
Explanation: Scranton’s demotion from luxurious hotels to less glamorous cafés illustrates his decline in status.
Analysis: This shows the impact of being exposed, but also suggests that Scranton adapts to his new situation. His continued
presence in public spaces, though less glamorous, speaks to his ability to survive.
Link: Scranton’s transition to a lower status also mirrors the broader theme of societal fascination with celebrity, even if it’s
based on falsehood.

Point: The narrator’s envy of Scranton’s isolation.

Evidence: “Scranton at least was left alone.”
Explanation: The narrator expresses his longing for the solitude Scranton enjoys, despite his false celebrity.
Analysis: This quote suggests that the narrator sees a kind of freedom in Scranton’s life, even if it is rooted in deception. The
desire for isolation over fame adds a layer of complexity to the narrator's own career.
Link: The narrator's envy suggests an internal conflict about fame, success, and personal fulfillment.

Point: The narrator’s plan to exploit Scranton’s story.

Evidence: “Could I provide a final ironic twist.”
Explanation: The narrator contemplates using Scranton’s continued success as a story to boost his own career.
Analysis: This reveals the narrator’s cynicism and ambition, showing that he’s willing to use Scranton’s tragedy for personal
gain. It also underscores the irony of Scranton’s situation—his fraud makes him more successful than he was before.
Link: The narrator’s thought process sets up the conflict between exploitation and empathy, which will unfold as he engages
with Scranton further.

8
Point: The narrator’s approach to engaging Scranton.
Evidence: “I’m writing a book of criticism.”
Explanation: The narrator uses a false premise (writing about science-fiction) to get close to Scranton.
Analysis: This quote illustrates the narrator’s manipulative side, willing to deceive Scranton in order to get a story. It shows the
lengths to which the narrator is willing to go for his own gain.
Link: The narrator’s deception contrasts with Scranton’s own lies, highlighting a theme of dishonesty and exploitation.

Point: Scranton affirms his false identity.

Evidence: “That is correct.”
Explanation: Scranton continues to assert his claim to be an astronaut, despite the truth being exposed.
Analysis: This reveals Scranton’s deep commitment to his deception. He has so thoroughly internalized his fake identity that he
no longer questions it, reinforcing his isolation from reality.
Link: This unwavering confidence in his lie contributes to the ongoing mystery of Scranton’s psyche.

Point: Scranton further embellishes his false history.

Evidence: “I acted as consultant.”
Explanation: Scranton exaggerates his role in the film industry, claiming to have been a consultant to major studios.
Analysis: This reinforces the idea that Scranton’s lies have no limits, extending into the film industry. It reflects his need for
validation and recognition.
Link: Scranton’s self-serving exaggeration fits into the theme of deception, where he fabricates grand tales to maintain his
false image.

Point: Scranton’s disillusionment with his fabricated experience.

Evidence: “It was just like being here.”
Explanation: Scranton minimizes the significance of his supposed moon walk, treating it as mundane.
Analysis: This downplaying of the experience might be a defense mechanism or a sign of Scranton’s utter detachment from
reality. It reflects his internal struggle between maintaining the lie and the emptiness of his claims.
Link: The lack of distinction between the moon and Earth highlights the isolation Scranton feels, both physically and
emotionally.

Point: The narrator’s realization of Scranton’s sincerity.

Evidence: “Scranton was sincere.”
Explanation: The narrator acknowledges that Scranton truly believes in his own falsehoods, which shifts the tone of their
interaction.
Analysis: This moment reveals the depth of Scranton's delusion, and it causes the narrator to reconsider his own motivations for
engaging with him. Scranton’s sincerity, despite the lie, makes him a tragic figure.

9
Link: This realization marks a turning point in the narrator's understanding of Scranton and deepens the theme of identity and
truth.

Point: The shared isolation between the narrator and Scranton.

Evidence: “Scranton embodied the absolute loneliness.”
Explanation: The narrator compares his own sense of isolation to Scranton’s, highlighting their similar emotional states.
Analysis: This connection reveals the narrator's empathy for Scranton and reflects a universal theme of human loneliness. It
suggests that Scranton's isolation is not just physical but existential.
Link: The narrator’s connection to Scranton offers a deeper understanding of human vulnerability and the consequences of
deception.

Point: The narrator reflects on humanity's quest to explore space.

Evidence: “One can’t help wondering if we were right to leave this planet.”
Explanation: The narrator reflects on the larger implications of space exploration, questioning whether humanity’s urge to
escape Earth is a positive thing.
Analysis: This introspection broadens the scope of the story, suggesting that Scranton's deception, in its tragic form, reflects
deeper questions about human ambition and the search for meaning.
Link: This reflection ties back to the theme of isolation and human yearning for something beyond the mundane.

Point: Scranton hints at having proof of his fabricated story.

Evidence: “‘I do have certain materials.’”
Explanation: Scranton alludes to possessing physical evidence, sparking intrigue in the narrator.
Analysis: This moment adds a layer of mystery to Scranton's character. Even though he is exposed as a fraud, he still claims to
have something of value—perhaps for self-justification or to maintain the myth.
Link: Scranton’s potential evidence offers a tantalizing possibility that his lies may not be entirely fabricated.

Point: The narrator’s incredulity at Scranton’s claim to have evidence.

Evidence: “What? A piece of lunar rock?”
Explanation: The narrator sarcastically questions Scranton’s claim of having tangible proof of his fake moon landing.
Analysis: This skepticism highlights the absurdity of Scranton’s ongoing deception. The narrator’s disbelief adds a layer of
humor to the situation, underlining the ridiculousness of Scranton’s continued fabrications.
Link: The narrator’s sarcastic tone contrasts with his later empathy, suggesting his internal conflict about Scranton’s truth.

Point: Scranton’s invitation to his modest home.

Evidence: “I’m staying a few minutes’ walk from here.”
Explanation: Scranton invites the narrator to his home, revealing his humble circumstances.

10
Analysis: This shows the gap between Scranton’s lofty claims and his reality. His willingness to invite the narrator into his small
apartment further emphasizes his isolation and the stark contrast between his fantasy and actual life.
Link: The invitation to Scranton’s home sets up a final moment of understanding, where the narrator will witness the full extent
of his isolation and the depths of his deception.

Point: The grim and uncomfortable setting reflects the protagonist’s internal state.
Evidence: The words “dusty light” and “greasy handbasin” evoke a sense of decay and neglect.
Explanation: The shabby surroundings mirror the protagonist’s sense of hopelessness and dissatisfaction with his life.
Analysis: This description sets the tone for the protagonist’s journey, illustrating the oppressive and stifling conditions in which
he exists.
Link: This environment is where the protagonist begins his interaction with Scranton, a man who will ultimately alter his
perspective on life.

Point: Scranton’s isolation and detachment are emphasized through his disinterest in the protagonist’s presence.
Evidence: His “staring at the yellowing wall” and failure to acknowledge the protagonist signify deep mental and emotional
withdrawal.
Explanation: Scranton’s ability to ignore his surroundings suggests his complete detachment from the world, possibly as a
coping mechanism.
Analysis: This behavior reflects Scranton’s internal conflict, as he struggles with his identity and loneliness. It also foreshadows
the protagonist’s own growing detachment.
Link: The protagonist’s interaction with Scranton will influence his own understanding of isolation and the concept of identity.

Point: The protagonist realizes the illusion he had about Scranton’s potential to help him.
Evidence: The use of “deluded” shows his awareness of his own misguided hopes.
Explanation: The protagonist’s belief that Scranton could “rescue” him reflects his desperation to find meaning and success in
his life.
Analysis: This moment marks the protagonist’s growing understanding that external forces, like Scranton, cannot provide the
salvation he seeks.
Link: This realization marks the beginning of the protagonist’s shift toward self-awareness and introspection.

Point: The protagonist feels ready to start fresh, driven by his interaction with Scranton.
Evidence: The phrase “new career” implies a significant life change or a redirection of the protagonist’s goals.
Explanation: This moment indicates a shift in the protagonist’s values, as he moves away from the traditional career he once
pursued.
Analysis: The protagonist’s decision to embark on a new career, possibly influenced by Scranton’s example, marks his embrace
of a different, more introspective path.
Link: This new beginning is part of the protagonist’s transformation and deepening connection to Scranton’s isolated existence.

11
Point: The protagonist begins to see himself as detached from the ordinary people around him, almost above them.
Evidence: The use of “deferred to me” suggests that the protagonist feels a new sense of power or elevated status.
Explanation: The protagonist’s altered perspective is likely the result of his experiences with Scranton, who has shown him how
to detach from societal norms.
Analysis: The statement reveals the protagonist’s growing belief that he has transcended the everyday concerns of those
around him.
Link: This change in perspective is significant because it reflects his journey toward embracing detachment and isolation, much
like Scranton.

Point: The protagonist’s perception of the world around him is becoming more spiritual and distant.
Evidence: The metaphor “corridors of light” and the comparison to a “cathedral” imply a sense of awe and transcendence.
Explanation: The protagonist’s newfound sense of detachment allows him to view the world with a sense of reverence, as
though it were a sacred space.
Analysis: This shift in perspective mirrors Scranton’s own disconnection from the physical world and his immersion in an
otherworldly existence.
Link: The protagonist’s transformation is ongoing, as he increasingly adopts Scranton’s view of the world as distant and
disconnected.

Point: The protagonist adopts Scranton’s false identity, fully immersing himself in the astronaut persona.
Evidence: His casual acknowledgment of being the astronaut suggests that he has internalized Scranton’s identity.
Explanation: By claiming to be the astronaut, the protagonist begins to blur the line between truth and illusion, embracing a role
that gives him a sense of purpose.
Analysis: This moment reflects the protagonist’s desire for significance and his willingness to live within a constructed
narrative to find meaning.
Link: The protagonist’s assumption of Scranton’s identity signals his complete immersion into the world of fantasy, a theme
that runs throughout the story.

Point: The contrast between the cinema’s flashy advertisements and Scranton’s state of mind highlights the disconnection
between appearance and reality.
Evidence: The “garish posters” and the description of them as “inflamed” suggest a chaotic, exaggerated vision of reality.
Explanation: The cinema posters represent the manufactured, exaggerated nature of the world Scranton has created for
himself, filled with false grandeur.
Analysis: This imagery highlights the falsehoods in Scranton’s life, mirroring the way he presents himself as an astronaut,
despite being a mere pilot.
Link: The contrast between reality and illusion is central to the story, as the protagonist, like Scranton, grapples with his own
fabricated identity.

12
Point: The protagonist’s reliance on Scranton’s presence reveals his growing emotional dependence.
Evidence: The phrase “mere presence” suggests that the protagonist doesn’t need anything else from Scranton except his
existence.
Explanation: This signifies the protagonist’s emotional reliance on Scranton, whose detachment and solitude offer the
protagonist a sense of connection in his otherwise empty life.
Analysis: The protagonist’s dependency on Scranton reveals how deeply he has absorbed Scranton’s detached worldview.
Link: This emotional shift parallels Scranton’s growing physical decline, as both men are consumed by the isolation they share.

Point: The protagonist’s statement shows his desire to reinvent himself, influenced by his experiences with Scranton.
Evidence: The phrase “new career” implies a break from the past and a shift in identity.
Explanation: The protagonist is attempting to move away from the mundane aspects of his life and embrace a more existential
or detached path.
Analysis: This moment underscores the protagonist’s transformation, where career success becomes secondary to personal
exploration.
Link: His new career, though uncertain, represents his attempt to find meaning in the void left by his failed ambitions.

Point: The protagonist faces the harsh truth that Scranton cannot help him, marking a moment of disillusionment.
Evidence: The word “deluded” shows the protagonist’s recognition that his hope in Scranton was misguided.
Explanation: This moment highlights the protagonist’s realization that he must find meaning and purpose within himself, not
through others.
Analysis: This disappointment signals a shift in the protagonist’s journey, where he begins to take responsibility for his own life
rather than relying on external figures.
Link: This disillusionment is a turning point, leading the protagonist away from the hope of a rescue and toward a more solitary
path of self-discovery.

Point: The protagonist offers to help Scranton, though his motivation is tied to a sense of duty or convenience rather than
compassion.
Evidence: The phrase “it’s in my direction” suggests the protagonist’s help is not purely altruistic, but a way to satisfy his own
needs.
Explanation: This shows the complex relationship between the two men, where the protagonist’s actions are motivated by both
a desire to help and a need to stay connected to Scranton.
Analysis: The protagonist’s offer to help Scranton reflects his growing attachment, though it is tinged with a sense of self-
interest.
Link: The protagonist’s complicated emotions toward Scranton demonstrate the way he is both drawn to and repelled by
Scranton’s detached existence.

13
Point: The protagonist’s growing disconnection from his former life is emphasized here.
Evidence: The comparison to “planetary visitors” and a “remote crater” suggests that the protagonist now views his former
colleagues as distant, unimportant figures.
Explanation: This reflects the protagonist’s detachment from his past life and his increasing focus on his relationship with
Scranton.
Analysis: The protagonist’s emotional distance from his former colleagues symbolizes his rejection of the world he once
inhabited and his immersion in a new, isolated reality.
Link: This emotional disconnection marks the protagonist’s complete shift in perspective, aligning him more closely with
Scranton’s lonely existence.

Point: The protagonist is drawn back to Scranton, despite his initial reluctance, due to the emotional impact Scranton has had
on him.
Evidence: The metaphor “the germ of his loneliness” suggests that the protagonist has internalized Scranton’s sense of
isolation.
Explanation: This quote reveals the deep influence Scranton has had on the protagonist, making him feel compelled to return to
him, despite the pain involved.
Analysis: The “germ of loneliness” reflects the way in which Scranton’s isolation has become a part of the protagonist’s identity.
Link: This moment marks the protagonist’s full immersion into the emotional and existential state that Scranton represents.

Point: Scranton’s decline reaches a point where he becomes almost invisible to the protagonist, mirroring his physical and
emotional deterioration.
Evidence: The phrase “barely visible” suggests that Scranton is becoming a ghost, both physically and emotionally.
Explanation: This irony highlights the tragic nature of Scranton’s life—despite once being a central figure, he is now fading into
obscurity, even for the protagonist.
Analysis: The protagonist’s detachment from Scranton reflects the larger themes of isolation, identity, and the inevitable fade
of all things, even once-glorious figures.
Link: This moment symbolizes the culmination of the protagonist’s journey, where he has become so immersed in Scranton’s
world that he now faces the same emptiness that Scranton once did.

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