- A fading relationship: The dead star might symbolize the deteriorating relationship between the main character, Alfredo Salazar, and his lover, Julia Salas. The once passionate and vibrant relationship is now slowly fading, just like a star losing its light and eventually becoming a dead star.
- Loss and grief: The dead star may represent Alfredo's grief and sorrow over the impending loss of Julia, who is about to marry another man. The dead star parallels Alfredo's feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, and loss.
- Death of passion and hope: The dead star might symbolize the death of Alfredo's initial passion and aspirations. With Julia's engagement to someone else, Alfredo feels that his dreams and future aspirations have become shattered, much like a dead star has lost its energy.
- Futility of romantic ideals: The dead star could represent the futility of romantic ideals and expectations. Alfredo's romantic notion of love and lasting happiness with Julia ultimately collides with reality, causing him to question the very nature of love and the fleeting nature of romantic desires.
In the context of the story, the dead star acts as a metaphor for Alfredo's emotional state and the larger theme of loss, decline, and the ephemeral nature of human emotions.