At different points in the novel the Manager presents himself as either a little boy or a great stag. What is the significance of him presenting himself in different ways? Why does he appear as a little boy and a stag in particular?

Why is it significant that Nelson finally chooses to cross over at the time and in the way that he does? How does Nelson’s decision reflect the broader themes of the book?

Wallace Price is distrustful of the Manager from the first time that he hears of him and never quite comes to trust him by the end of the novel. What does Wallace’s hesitancy to trust the Manager reveal about their characters? What does it say about humanity’s relationship with gods or godlike beings, particularly those associated with life and death?