Photograph of Saul crossing Abbey Road, London

The photograph of Saul crossing Abbey Road in London, given to Luna as a gift by Saul, is symbolic of Saul’s selfishness. Saul was told in advance of going to the GDR that the thing his hosts would most appreciate would be a tin of pineapple, which he carelessly forgets. Despite so casually forgetting the thing his hosts have requested, Saul goes to great lengths to obtain this photo which has not been asked for. Saul literally makes the gift about himself rather than thinking about the desires of others.

Saul’s Academic Research

The subject of Saul’s academic research – the psychology of male tyrants, in particular Joseph Stalin – is symbolic of the damage done to Saul by his abusive childhood and of his lack of awareness of this damage. In his intellectual pursuits, Saul is aware of...