XIII:  DEATH

Holes

Falling and descending time and again to arrive at the abyss of the heart

In Silent Hill 2, "holes" (including vertical corridors and long, downward
staircases) appear repeatedly upon and after James' arrival beneath the 
Historical Society.  James falls through these holes many times over as if 
lured by something.  One can think that these holes symbolize the abyss which 
has opened up in his heart.  By means of falling through holes, James dives 
into his own subconscious and finally comes to accept the crime he has 
committed.  As with the scrawled words at the bar, it seems that in the town 
of Silent Hill holes open up here and there and lure those who hold darkness 
in their hearts.

IMAGE:  Bar Neely's
Perhaps holes are entrances to the abyss of the heart seen only by those 
who bear the weight of misdeeds.

SECTION TWO:  Strangely shaped elongated holes that suggest the birth of God

Although holes appear in Silent Hill 3 as in the previous work, Heather does
not merely drop down them but also ascends using ladders.  It seems that the
implication of the holes that appear in the third game differs greatly from 
that of the previous work.  And so, the hint is in the difference in the shape 
of the holes.

IMAGE:  the hole in the church's final room
Surely, the hole that is torn up by Valtiel symbolizes the birth of God.

IMAGE:  the painting titled "Faith"
Even in a painting in the church, an elongated hole is depicted.  Could it have 
some ritual purpose?

Creator's Commentary:  Although many holes also appear in the third game, these 
ones are oblong and elliptical in shape.  In other words, they are depicted as a
"birth" motif.  The "holes" which appear in various scenes are related to Silent 
Hill 3's themes of "life" and "rebirth."  The design drawn on the Eye of Night 
card is also related to "holes."

-Hiroyuki Owaku




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