Butcher & Blackbird

Content Warning: This section discusses child abuse, sexual abuse, and cannibalism.

Although the novel’s characters do not wear literal masks, the author repeatedly describes people as wearing metaphorical “masks” that sometimes slip. These metaphorical masks symbolize The Nuances of Identity and the lengths to which characters go to conceal their true personalities, emotions, desires, motivations, activities, and capabilities. Both the protagonists and the villains whom they kill wear metaphorical masks because they all have something to hide if they want to function somewhat “normally” in life and avoid prosecution. Although these masks are logistically necessary, Sloane feels that constantly having to mask her true self is exhausting and lonely. Consequently, she feels relief when she is able to “lay the mask aside” (77) and be herself around Rowan. Laying her mask aside symbolizes the budding romance and closeness between Sloane and Rowan because the only other person with whom Sloane is free to “remove” her mask is her best friend Lark. This suggests that the type of love Sloane and Rowan are cultivating depends on honesty, transparency, and genuine connection rather than a false, manufactured version of love based on pretend personalities. The novel suggests that, while masks may sometimes be necessary to navigate the world and its laws, there is liberation and healing potential in removing these masks with loved ones.