How does guilt manifest in Dunstan Ramsay's life?

In "Fifth Business," guilt is a predominant theme that significantly shapes Dunstan Ramsay's life, particularly through the consequences of the snowball incident. This pivotal event, where Dunstan's action (throwing a snowball intended for someone else) inadvertently injures Mrs. Dempster and results in the perceived mental deterioration of her character, profoundly haunts him throughout his life. This moment becomes a catalyst for his guilt, which manifests in various aspects of his character and choices.

The snowball incident symbolizes the complexity of Dunstan's feelings towards responsibility and innocence. He grapples with a sense of complicity in Mrs. Dempster's suffering, leading him to seek absolution and meaning in his life through his devotion to her. This guilt influences his relationships and personal decisions, shaping his identity and worldview. It serves as a constant undercurrent that drives his quest for understanding, not only of himself but also of the spiritual and moral implications of his actions.

While other answers may reference aspects of his life, such as his wealth or relationships, they do not encapsulate the profound impact of guilt that stems specifically from the consequences of the snowball incident, which is central to Dunstan's character development and the overall narrative of the