In what way does the setting of Deptford mirror Dunstan's internal struggles?

The setting of Deptford mirroring Dunstan's internal struggles is especially compelling when considering the dual nature of the place as highlighting both confinement and familiarity. Throughout "Fifth Business," Dunstan Ramsay grapples with complex issues of guilt, identity, and the weight of his past. Deptford, as a small town, creates a sense of restriction, holding Dunstan back from fully engaging with the broader world, much like his own psychological barriers do.

At the same time, Deptford is familiar to Dunstan—it is where he grew up and forms the backdrop for many pivotal moments in his life. This duality emphasizes Dunstan’s internal conflict: he is tethered to his childhood memories and the experiences that shaped him, yet he feels confined by the expectations and realities of life in a small town. This combination encapsulates his struggle to reconcile his past with his yearning for personal growth and understanding. Thus, the setting serves as a powerful representation of the confines set by both physical space and emotional baggage that Dunstan must navigate throughout the narrative.