Symbolism in The House on the Borderland?

Question

I just read William Hope Hodgson's *The House on the Borderland*. Is the implication that the man's relationship with his live-in sister inclines to incest? Are the swine intended as symbols of lust (as is the classic interpretation of the pig)? Is there a psychological interpretation of his vision of the death of the universe?

Answer 1

I would recommend you look at the characters’ personalities and traits. Examining the two on a more concise spectrum should help you analyze what their relationship could represent. I’m not sure about the psychological interpretation, but you can very well come to terms with your own comprehension of the author’s vision. Probing questions with analyzing text:

1. Can I identify at least three metaphors? (Metaphoric references open a broad spectrum of hidden messages)
2. What is the psychological state of the characters? ( By examining a character’s mental state, you are able to create a critical theory towards the text, author or any intriguing aspect of the text as a whole)
3. Are there any historical or biblical references underlining the moral compass of the text?

I hope I helped you answer you question