Irony of memories
Jacques has little to no memory of his early childhood but it is affecting his mental health in his adulthood. Thus the novel illustrates the impact of traumatic and repressed memories later in an individual’s life. Traumatic memories are deeply ingrained in Jacques’s mind that it causes a nervous breakdown with every reveal. Therefore showcases that memories impact his psyche even though Jacques was unaware of them initially.
Irony of identity
The idea of nature versus nurture is loosely explored through the upbringing of the protagonist. In essence, Jacques has led a life that was constructed for him erasing his heritage and past life. Though he was raised in a foreign nation by foster parents much of his identity is linked to his background. The limited experiences he had with his parents and the trauma he faced in his childhood molds his mindset. It is ironic that a small portion of his early childhood has more impact on his life than his upbringing.
Theresienstadt documentary
The Nazi propaganda film about the Theresienstadt camp is among the documentations that Jacques uses to explore his past. The records, archives, and photographs that he uses to research their history are authentic and reliable sources. However, the documentary does not depict the true images and conditions at the Nazi concentration camps. It was intended to demonstrate a false perception of the conditions to skew public opinion. Though he only watches it to seek the image of his mother the content is quite the opposite from the other records he studies.
Passage of time
The story subverts the notion of time heals all wounds by addressing the impact of history, generational trauma, and also architecture. Through architecture, Jacques explores the nature of history and the passage of time. Therefore, illustrates the wounds of the past in the present despite the passage of time. As a victim of historical trauma, Jacques relives the pain and suffering through past memories and images. The present has the burdens and scars of the past in spite of the notion that time heals.
