In John Irving's "Avenue of Mysteries," the character Juan Diego reflects on the presence of the dead or ghosts within a church setting. He questions their motives for visiting, pondering why they would seek answers that they already possess. This contemplation signifies a deeper philosophical exploration of life, death, and the mysteries that bridge the two. Juan Diego's thoughts suggest a disconnect between the realms of the living and the dead, highlighting a sense of irony. He implies that the dead should hold a different perspective in a sacred space, where the answers to existential questions presumably lie. This internal conflict emphasizes the complexities of belief, memory, and the quest for understanding beyond mortality.

In John Irving's "Avenue of Mysteries," the character Juan Diego reflects on the presence of the dead or ghosts within a church setting. He questions their motives for visiting, pondering why they would seek answers that they already possess. This contemplation signifies a deeper philosophical exploration of life, death, and the mysteries that bridge the two.

Juan Diego's thoughts suggest a disconnect between the realms of the living and the dead, highlighting a sense of irony. He implies that the dead should hold a different perspective in a sacred space, where the answers to existential questions presumably lie. This internal conflict emphasizes the complexities of belief, memory, and the quest for understanding beyond mortality.