What significant life experience is tied to Dunny's connection with Mary Dempster?

Dunny's deep connection with Mary Dempster is intricately tied to his war experiences, which serve as a pivotal moment in his life and development. During the war, Dunny grapples with themes of guilt, trauma, and the longing for redemption, all of which are reflected in his relationship with Mary. She embodies a mystical presence in his life, representing a sense of purity and spiritual awakening amidst the chaos of war.

Dunny's encounters with Mary, particularly in how he perceives her as a saintly figure, resonate profoundly with the emotional turmoil and moral dilemmas he faces during his time in the conflict. This connection symbolizes his search for meaning and understanding in a world that often feels fragmented and painful. While childhood memories, education, and relationship struggles also play significant roles in Dunny's life, it is his experiences during the war that profoundly shape his perspective and influence his bond with Mary Dempster, elevating her to a crucial figure in his journey towards self-discovery and acceptance.