The Family Game

In The Family Game, Krampus is a symbol of the Holbeck’s haunted past and the monstrosity that exists in real life. Though Krampus is a fictional character from mythological lore, it symbolizes the presence of good and evil in the world. Krampus punishes bad children, so it is a direct threat to children who are learning how to behave. Krampus is physically terrifying, which both scares children and emphasizes his demonic role. Krampus symbolizes the active presence of fear in the world. Even though there are no real-life monsters, monsters in real life are found in the evils human beings are capable of. Krampus also alludes to the Holbeck family’s German origins, representing the emphasis placed on tradition within the family. The Holbecks tie this horrifying game to a legendary figure of punishment from their own cultural past, thus blurring the traditions of their family with ideas of punishment, fear, and strict adherence to the rules.

Robert’s tape-recording is an important symbol in the novel. Structurally, the tape-recording serves to increase tension, drama, and suspense. However, as it takes Harriet a while to listen to the whole recording, the reader is given details of the mystery of the novel in small increments as the novel progresses.