Famous Last Words

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence and death.

McAllister uses dreams as a motif for the theme of Appearance Versus Reality. As several characters grapple with their internal conflicts over the events of the siege, their true feelings are revealed in their subconscious dreams. Throughout the novel, dreams reveal the reality of the characters in contrast to the appearances they attempt to put on for others.

Niall’s recurring dreams of the events of the siege illustrate his inner turmoil over his perceived failure during the hostage situation. While Niall initially refuses to talk to his therapist and goes to work each day, pretending that he has moved on from Luke’s case, his dreams present the reality of his guilt. His dream is always the same, with Niall “asking for more and more and more time. Maidstone refusing. Niall insisting. Niall holding the released Isabell, her body soft and warm against his. Niall changing his mind, racing into the building, and then—always, always, always—the dream ends with the two shots” (121). Niall’s dream reveals how truly haunted he is by his actions, which shattered his view of himself and his confidence in his ability to do his job, harboring him with guilt for years after.