Themes and message

Appearances versus reality

The theme of appearances versus reality is explored in the short story “Hostage” by Andrew Vachss through both Walker and Mark. 

Walker’s character indicates how people sometimes use their appearance or official identity to deceive others. To the outside world, Walker seems like a reliable member of the police force, where he works as a hostage negotiator. To Mark, he appears as a psychologist, as he lies to the young man to obtain what he wants. The reality is that Walker is a deeply disturbed man, with unresolved mental issues  and trauma caused by his experience in the Vietnam War. His diagnosis, which mentions “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, fundamental lack of empathy, blunted affect, addicted risk-taker” (p. 157, ll. 24-25), suggests that he is unfit for working in the police force. Furthermore, Walker’s backstory shows the danger of him bei...