In "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt, Julian expresses a poignant view on the nature of communication with the deceased. He suggests that the dead reach out to the living through dreams because it allows them to be seen, albeit in a distant and projected form. This metaphor illustrates the idea that our perceptions of the dead are filtered and intangible, much like starlight that travels vast distances before reaching our eyes.

This perspective highlights the fragility of connections between the living and the departed. Dreams become a medium through which we can experience echoes of those who have passed away, emphasizing the surreal and often elusive nature of such encounters. In this way, Tartt explores themes of memory, loss, and the longing for connections that transcend death.