How does Dunstan utilize storytelling to confront his past?

Dunstan Ramsay utilizes storytelling as a powerful tool to reflect on his memories and integrate them into his identity. Throughout "Fifth Business," storytelling serves not just as a means of recounting events but as a way for Dunstan to come to terms with his past. He examines significant moments from his life, particularly those connected to themes of guilt, responsibility, and spiritual growth. This process of reflection allows him to understand how his experiences have shaped who he is, enabling him to embrace his identity rather than run from it.

By narrating his life story, he is able to confront his feelings about pivotal events, such as his relationship with his childhood friend Percy and the consequences of the tragic accident involving Mary Dempsey. Instead of shying away from his past or blaming others for his circumstances, Dunstan uses storytelling to make sense of his life's narrative and to assert ownership over his personal history. This narrative journey emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and reconciliation in his character development.