: Detectives use psychological torture and physical violence to extract a confession from Katurian.
: The play deeply explores how stories can influence and reflect reality, and how they can be used both to oppress and to liberate. the+pillowman+pdf
McDonagh does not shy away from depicting profound cruelty. It is eventually revealed that Katurian's fairy tales were heavily influenced—if not directly inspired—by the psychological and physical torture he and his brother endured at the hands of their parents. The text illustrates how the ghosts of a haunting childhood continue to dictate the present reality of the adult characters. 3. The Power of "The Story" : Detectives use psychological torture and physical violence