What theme is highlighted through Dunstan Ramsay's journey?

Dunstan Ramsay's journey in "Fifth Business" profoundly illustrates the exploration of personal guilt and responsibility. Throughout the narrative, Dunstan grapples with the consequences of his actions and the lingering guilt stemming from critical events in his life, particularly the accidental snowball incident that led to the death of Mrs. Dempster's child. This incident sets the stage for a lifelong reflection on his feelings of culpability.

As Dunstan delves into the lives of others and his own past, he confronts not only the repercussions of his choices but also the weight of a responsibility he feels toward Mrs. Dempster, among other characters. His journey reflects a search for meaning and redemption as he attempts to reconcile his guilt with his desire to understand his identity and role in the world.

The narrative intricately weaves this theme into Dunstan's development and the relationships he forms, underscoring how personal guilt shapes motivations and life paths. The other themes, while present, do not resonate as strongly with the core element of Dunstan's character development, which is significantly affected by his exploration of guilt and responsibility.