On closer reading, the story is revealed to present the tragic journey of a man who has lost his mind but seeks solace in the materialistic comfort of his old life. The story succeeds in making a number of statements about human nature: wealth is the most powerful measure of social status and anyone who does not possess it will face ostracism; that denying one's mistakes and unfortunate circumstances only causes more pain; that even the most optimistic people can harbor dark secrets and emotional turmoil. All of these themes force the reader to think about their real-world implications long after the story ends.