What does the term "Mrs. Dempster's ashes" represent in the narrative?

In the narrative of Fifth Business, "Mrs. Dempster's ashes" symbolize a profound loss that resonates throughout the story. Mrs. Dempster, a central figure in the protagonist Dunstan Ramsay's life, embodies themes of sacrifice, misunderstood love, and the impact of societal judgment. The act of her ashes being referenced in the narrative serves as a tangible reminder of her life, suffering, and the complexities of her character in relation to Dunstan and the community.

This profound loss is amplified by the implications of her tragic life and the ways it has shaped Dunstan’s identity and choices. Her status as a martyr-like figure—despite the scorn she faced—brings to light the emotional and psychological burdens Dunstan carries. The ashes represent not just the end of her physical presence, but also the remnants of the past, influencing Dunstan's journey and understanding of love, guilt, and redemption.

The other interpretations, such as a sense of closure, empty promises, or forgotten history, do not capture the depth of the emotional and character-driven significance that Mrs. Dempster's ashes carry in Dunstan's life and the broader narratives of loss and memory within the novel.