A recurring theme is the absolute failure of language [3]. Castel’s obsession with linguistic subtleties—demonstrated by Sábato’s use of italicized segments and erratic capitalization—highlights his inability to bridge the gap between his internal reality and the outside world [3]. His paranoia stems from the fact that words are never enough to prove María’s devotion or transparency, leading him to draw pseudo-logical conclusions based on mere coincidence [14]. Existentialism and Comparative Analysis

However, Castel’s tragedy lies in his realization that their "tunnels" never truly merged. While he sought exclusive possession to end his isolation, María remained a separate, enigmatic entity [5]. This leads to his ultimate disappointment and the violent conclusion that his "tunnel" was always solitary. The Failure of Communication

Castel is an archetype of the alienated, paranoid man [18]. His misanthropy is profound; he views the world with contempt, especially art critics and society at large. His life is a series of extensive rationalizations and anxieties , as he over-analyzes every interaction to the point of absurdity [3, 14]. The Metaphor of the Tunnel