Sketch

The sketch that Raif draws of Hamdi after Hamdi has been yelling at him is symbolic of Raif’s repressed creativity and artistic urges. As a young man, Raif gave up painting despite securing a place at the Academy of Fine Art in Istanbul, because he discovered that it was not possible to make art without revealing part of yourself in the process. This comes to pass through the sketch when the narrator feels that he has discovered something interesting and authentic about Raif when he views the sketch and resolves to find out more about Raif and become better acquainted.

Diary

Raif’s diary is symbolic of the complete absence of human connections in Raif’s life other than his relationship with Maria. Raif’s isolation from all other people means that when he discovers the shattering truth about what became of Maria he has...