Here's a breakdown of how this theme manifests in the story:
* Unresolved Trauma: The story centers on the protagonist, Mrs. Van Hopper, who is deeply haunted by a past relationship with a man named "the Demon Lover" who disappeared during World War II. She received letters from him promising to return, but he never did, leaving her with a lingering sense of abandonment and uncertainty.
* The Return of the Past: The story unfolds on the anniversary of the day her lover was presumed dead. A strange man appears at her doorstep, claiming to be the missing lover. This creates a terrifying scenario where Mrs. Van Hopper is forced to confront the past she desperately tried to bury.
* The Threat of the Past: The return of the "Demon Lover" symbolizes the past's ability to resurface and disrupt the present. His presence is unsettling and threatening, challenging Mrs. Van Hopper's fragile sense of security and her carefully constructed reality.
* Ambiguity and Uncertainty: The story leaves the reader with a sense of ambiguity, never explicitly revealing the true identity of the visitor. This leaves the reader to ponder the possibility that the past is not what it seems, and that the "Demon Lover" might be a manifestation of Mrs. Van Hopper's own guilt and repressed emotions.
Ultimately, "The Demon Lover" explores how unresolved trauma, suppressed memories, and the lingering weight of the past can impact the present, creating a sense of paranoia, fear, and uncertainty.