What is the significance of Dunstan's trips abroad?

Dunstan's trips abroad are significant because they allow him to experience different cultures and broaden his perspective. This exposure plays a crucial role in his development as a character throughout "Fifth Business." His journeys take him to various places, each contributing new insights and knowledge that influence his understanding of himself and others. Traveling introduces him to diverse ideas, philosophies, and ways of life, which shape his identity and deepen his reflections on the concepts of goodness, evil, and personal responsibility. This growth is integral to the novel, as it contrasts with the more narrow perspectives of other characters who remain entrenched in their own environments.

While other answers might touch on aspects of isolation or disconnection, they do not capture the transformative nature of Dunstan's experiences abroad. Instead, the focus on cultural experiences emphasizes how important these trips are to his personal and intellectual growth, enriching the story's themes of self-discovery and the complex nature of human relationships.