Theory about Casey and Interpretations [SPOILERS]

[drakul]

I will begin with this : what I'm about to say is based heavily on my interpretation of what the meaning of the game was, especially concerning how the "Cult part" feels really rushed/out of place. This is my explanation of the relationship of the Cult, Possum Springs, and Casey's murder.

I believe Casey wasn't murdered in the literal sense, but committed suicide out of despair and nihilism.

The Cult could be a metaphor for remorse and anger about the harsh past of the town (which it definitely had, concerning the jobs at the mines) and the heavy weight it can put on the youth, especially those who are vulnerable, to drag them in the misery of the past instead of a better future.

The whole game is about struggling with hopelessness, depression, despair, finding meaning in life, being stuck in Possum Springs and not achieving his potential, nihilism, etc.

Could it be that what happened to Casey is giving in to existential nihilism and giving up on life?
Is Mae's struggle with the "ghost" her way of fighting off the same issues and making sense of it all?

The burying of the mines symbolizes "putting to the ground nihilism and despair" but also their friend, who went into a hole (which might also represent suicide from jumping).

Why is it that while in the mines, it is there that Mae has to overcome the urge of giving up on her own life? The whole adventure feels more like an inward personal trial than "real" events.

The first and last page you write in the book is about death (your granddad, and Casey), which could indicate the whole book serves as a journal for overcoming the death of close ones. The last page would be the acceptance of Casey's death and moving on, away from the nihilism that took away his life and poisoned Mae's.

Just a crazy theory about my intuitive feeling that might fit with the overall moral of the game.

[Adrian]

feel like you're overlooking it

[Amaterasu]

Originally posted by HighNoonSheriff:

feel like you're overlooking it

Kinda, yeah, but it's definitely an original point of view. It's good to hear the interpretations other people make, specially from subjective games like these that leave you with something to think about; Not everyone thinks the same.

Also, loved your theory dude. Even though it is sort of extreme, it does make sense in a way.